Language Behaviors of Mothers of Children with Normal and Delayed Language

Abstract

The language behavior of mothers of children with normally developing language was compared to that of mothers of children whose overall development appeared normal except for delayed expressive language. The two randomly selected groups of children from 2 to 5 years of age were matched in age within 6 months. The language of both groups of mothers, as they interacted with their children in a structured task situation and an unstructured free play situation, was recorded via audiotape, then transcribed and analyzed. Significant differences were found in the mean length of utterances, the number of questions and directions, and the number of acceptance and rejection utterances given by the mothers. Results suggest areas for further investigation leading to recommendations for parents and preschool programming prompting language development.