1st ETRW on Speech Production Modeling: From Control Strategies to Acoustics 4th Speech Production Seminar: Models and Data Autrans, France May 20-24, 1996

From Babbling to First Words: Phonetic Patterns

Peter F. MacNeilage (1), Barbara L. Davis (2)

(1) Department of Psychology; (2) Department of Speech, University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA

Nine English speaking infants were studied to analyze consonant vowel co-occurrences predicted by the Frame Content hypothesis (MacNeilage & Davis, 1990), tested earlier in prespeech babbling of 6 infants (Davis & MacNeilage, 1995). For five subjects, prespeech babbling, early words, and concurrent babbling were analyzed. For four subjects, first words were analyzed. Results showed strong confirmation of the Frame Content hypothesis for all subjects. The importance of mandibular oscillation in prespeech continues during the first word period. Favoring labials in early words more than babbling may result from regression towards simpler output forms at the point where motor control needs to be interfaced with a mental lexicon.

Full Paper

Bibliographic reference.  MacNeilage, Peter F. / Davis, Barbara L. (1996): "From babbling to first words: phonetic patterns", In SPM-1996, 155-158.