Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
parentese
Noun
pəˈrenˌtēz
Definition
Parentese is a speech style used by adults when talking to babies or young children, characterized by a higher pitch, exaggerated intonation, and simplified vocabulary.
Examples
- When she spoke in parentese, the baby would giggle and coo along.
- Many linguists believe that parentese plays a crucial role in early language development.
Meaning
The purpose of parentese is to engage children, capture their attention, and help them learn language more easily.
Synonyms
- Infant-directed speech
- Child-directed speech
- Baby talk