Phonetic patterns in the early word period and the potential relationships between lexical and phonetic sub areas

Few studies have examined the relationship between phonetic bases and lexical patterns of words reported by parents during the first 50 word period. The purpose of this study was to explore potential interfaces between lexical and phonetic properties of first words by analyzing the general properties of words children attempt as represented in the CDI (Fenson et al, 1993). The results of this study were consistent with other studies of this period in showing continuity of output patterns from babbling to the characteristics of target words reported during the first 50 word period. We found a predominance of predicted coronal-front and labial-central CV co-occurrence preferences in words reported. The phonetic and lexical patterns as reported by parents were found to be largely consistent across all our participants during this early word period. Our hearing impaired participant displayed phonetic patterns that were largely consistent with the hearing children. Her parents reported far fewer different words during the first 50 word period. Additionally based on similarities between children’s production patterns and patterns in CDI words reported, these children found words matching their production propensities to be salient.