As speech-language pathologists, we often witness the slow and steady pace at which children acquire their first words. However, research reveals that segmentation plays a pivotal role in this process. Understanding segmentation can help us facilitate vocabulary growth in children, especially those with delayed language skills.
Segmentation is the ability to break down a continuous stream of speech into meaningful units, such as words. According to Sarah Smits-Bandstra's research, children initially use prelexical strategies—relying on acoustic cues like stress, intonation, and pauses. As their vocabulary grows, they begin to integrate these prelexical strategies with lexical knowledge, leading to a vocabulary spurt.
Here are some practical ways to apply these insights in your practice:
- Emphasize Acoustic Cues: Use exaggerated stress, intonation, and pauses when speaking to children. This can help them identify word boundaries more easily.
- Use Repetition: Repeating words and phrases can reinforce segmentation skills. Make sure to vary the context to enhance understanding.
- Incorporate Simplified Language: Simplified language, often referred to as "motherese," can be particularly effective. Use shorter sentences and a slower rate of speech.
- Monitor Progress: Pay attention to children's use of overshooting (combining words into a single unit) and undershooting (using fillers). These can be indicators of their evolving segmentation strategies.
Encouraging parents to adopt these strategies at home can also be beneficial. Explain the importance of segmentation and provide them with tips on how to incorporate these techniques into daily interactions.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: The Role of Segmentation in Lexical Acquisition in Children.
