Which statement accurately describes infant-directed speech?

Which statement accurately describes infant-directed speech?

• A. It exaggerates pitch, rhythm, and dynamics
• B. It uses monotone delivery
• C. It avoids punctuation
• D. It remains at a constant tempo

Answer: (A)

Infant-directed speech is characterized by exaggerated pitch, rhythm, and dynamics, which helps infants notice and learn language. The higher pitch and wider pitch range make speech more salient and easier to distinguish sounds, aiding phoneme discrimination. The tempo and rhythm are more musical and varied, with stressed syllables and longer pauses that help infants segment words and grasp patterns. The pronounced contrasts in loudness (dynamics) and a sing‑song quality grab attention and convey emotion, strengthening bonding while supporting language processing. Monotone delivery and a constant tempo wouldn’t engage or cue infants as effectively, so they aren’t typical features of infant-directed speech.

Infant-directed speech is characterized by exaggerated pitch, rhythm, and dynamics, which helps infants notice and learn language. The higher pitch and wider pitch range make speech more salient and easier to distinguish sounds, aiding phoneme discrimination. The tempo and rhythm are more musical and varied, with stressed syllables and longer pauses that help infants segment words and grasp patterns. The pronounced contrasts in loudness (dynamics) and a sing‑song quality grab attention and convey emotion, strengthening bonding while supporting language processing. Monotone delivery and a constant tempo wouldn’t engage or cue infants as effectively, so they aren’t typical features of infant-directed speech.