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A comparison of characteristics of early communication exchanges in mother-preterm and mother-full-term infant dyads

Nicoletta Salerni

University of Milan-Bicocca

Chiara Suttora

University of Milan-Bicocca

Laura D'Odorico

University of Milan-Bicocca

Communication in 32 mother-infant dyads (18 mother-preterm infants and 14 mother-full-term infants) was observed during semi-structured play sessions when the children were 6 months of age. Maternal speech directed to the child was assessed in terms of complexity, verbal productivity and function of the utterances. This study also analysed turn-taking interaction structure and the children's prelinguistic development. The results show differences between the interactive patterns of term and preterm mother-infant dyads. In particular, mother-preterm infant conversations were characterized by high maternal responsiveness and lack of activity on the part of the infant.

Key Words: Child directed speech • language development • mother-infant interaction • premature birth • turn-taking skills.

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First Language, Vol. 27, No. 4, 329-346 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/0142723707081654
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