This
study investigated the relationship between the linguistic input children
receive and the number of children’s vocalizations by using computerized LENA
(Language Environment Analysis) system software which is able to collect and
analyze the data automatically, instantly, and objectively. Data from three
children (two boys and one girl) at ages of 10, 20, and 30 months were
analyzed. The results indicated that: 1) child vocalizations (CV) and
child-caregiver conversational turns (CT) increased with time while adult
word counts (AWC) children overheard in the background decreased; 2) CT is
highly correlated with CV. LENA automatic device can substantially shorten
the time of data analysis in the study of child language, and provide
preliminary results for further analysis.
