Parentese (baby talk) or adult talk in ASL?

Parentese (known as "motherese" in traditional term) is defined as "a type of infant directed talk or 'baby talk' which many parents use to communicate with their infants." It is found in many cultures across the world. And, of course, also found in signed languages.

Some typical characteristics of parentese in spoken language are as follows:

• a very high-pitched voice along with a slower rhythm.
• clear speech.
• exaggerated intonation with longer vowel production.
• repetition of words or phrases.
• expanding what the child says. E.g. child, "cat." Parent, "Yes, it is a cat." "The cat likes you, too." "The cat wants to be friend with you."
• long pauses between sentences or phrases to allow the child to think.
• simple speech: short, simple sentences.
• using facial expression and gesture (e.g. pointing)
• prolonged eye contact

Studies show that infants prefer baby talk opposed to adult talk and that babies learn language more efficiently.

Some typical characteristics of parentese in signed language are as follows:

• clear signing
• exaggerated movements of the signed words
• exaggerated facial grammar and facial expression.
• repetition of signed words or phrases.
• expanding what the child says
• pauses between sentences or phrases.
• simple, short sentences
• extensive use of pointing
• prolonged eye contact and gaze
• using cinematic effects, transformations, and other effects (e.g. flying airplane turned into tickling ILY).

Sign language topics