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Why do we all sound like idiots when we talk to babies? Don't be embarrassed, we're helping them acquire language. Child psychologist Ben Jeffes explains.
Caution: may cause flashbacks to the time you were trapped in the Why? Loop for six years.
WHO WANTS A WICKLE READ? YES YOU DO! YES YOU DO!
Here's a comprehensive piece about how politeness sent 'thou' packing in favour of 'you'.
What we refer to as 'baby talk' in the episode is also known as 'parentese', apparently.
Here's a whopper of a New Yorker article about talking to children, and the differences arising from economics/class.
Read a quick overview of bilingual babies, and then more of the science.
There's a transcript of this episode here.
Allusionist T-shirts exist! Treat your torso at teepublic.com/stores/the-allusionist.
RANDOMLY SELECTED WORD FROM THE DICTIONARY:
decrepitate
CREDITS:
Ben Jeffes is a child psychologist. He must hear a lot of 'Why?' in his working day. Find him at childprofiles.co.uk.
This episode was produced by me, Helen Zaltzman. The music is by Martin Austwick. Hear and/or download more - WITH LYRICS! - at thesoundoftheladies.bandcamp.com.
Talk to me like we're both adults at facebook.com/allusionistshow, twitter.com/allusionistshow and twitter.com/helenzaltzman.
