Variation in caregivers' references to their toddlers: Child-directed speech in Vanuatu and Canada

Abstract

The authors examined similarities and differences in Canadian and ni-Vanuatu caregivers' child-directed speech to their toddlers (N = 35, Mage: 21 months, 20 girls). Speech samples were collected (2013–2016) during free play and analyzed with a focus on describing parents' references to their toddlers. Canadian caregivers referred significantly more to toddlers' tangible characteristics (relative risk, RR = 2.12) and internal states (RR = 2.31), whereas ni-Vanuatu caregivers referred more to actions (RR = 2.04). When referring to internal states, Canadian mothers referred significantly more to mind-minded states, whereas ni-Vanuatu caregivers referred more to body-minded states (RR = 7.98). These findings are interpreted as capturing meaningful differences in toddlers' opportunities to attend to themselves. Implications for self-concept development are discussed.