The recent study conducted by Robin Panneton at Virginia Tech sheds light on the positive emotional aspect of a mother’s speech to her infant and to puppies. While previous research focused on the clarity and hyperarticulation of speech, this study reveals that mothers also exhibit higher vocal emotion when speaking to puppies, which is similar to their speech to infants.
In the study, mothers were asked to interact with their 6-month-old infants, puppies, and an undergraduate student using three objects: a boot, a ball, and a bead. The order of interaction was randomized to eliminate any bias. The results showed that when mothers spoke to puppies, their speech became more emotionally charged, resulting in equal levels of positive emotion as their speech to infants.
This “happy talk” connection between mothers and both infants and puppies has significant implications for future research in language development. It suggests that emotion plays a crucial role in the way mothers communicate with their children. Previous studies have shown that mothers speak more clearly to infants because they see themselves as their child’s primary language teacher. However, Panneton suggests that there are other important factors, such as emotion, that influence a mother’s speech clarity.
By considering the emotional aspect of a mother’s speech, researchers can better understand the data and provide support for mothers who may struggle to speak positively to their infants. This is particularly important for mothers suffering from postpartum depression or those managing the daily stress of working multiple jobs. The variability in a mother’s emotional state can impact the way her child learns language, highlighting the need for additional support and understanding.
In conclusion, Panneton’s study highlights the importance of incorporating emotion into language research. By recognizing the positive valence of a mother’s speech to both infants and puppies, we can gain new insights into language development and better support mothers in their role as language teachers.
