Dynamic processes of intermodal coordination in the ontogenesis of language

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this study is to explore the multimodal communicative patterns used by infants during their first-words transition period. The combinatorial patterns of twelve children living in Basque Country with different mother tongues were analyzed longitudinally from 9 to 21 months of age. A total of 4,299 communicative behaviors were recorded and coded (vocalizations, gestures, and pragmatic functions). Results showed a significant increase in multimodal communicative patterns from 12 months onwards, and differences in the infants’ vocal construction depending on the specific types of gestures involved. Thus, it was observed that gestures and speech combinations have influence on the child’s pragmatic function and vocalizations structure.