Child Development 131 (3):

Language and Learning

Spring 2002

Dr. Weissman

^{Language analysis project}

^{part 2}

^{Now that you have collected and transcribed a child language sample, you will begin analyzing the transcript. For each of the assignments I provide, be sure to keep your calculations and/or analysis; everything will be included in your final portfolio.}

^{Before you begin analysis:}

^{1) Determine the approximate time length of your transcript.}

^{2) Mark the place on your transcript that includes through 15 minutes. (If you transcribed less than 15 minutes, you will use the entire transcript; please note how many minutes this includes.)}

^{This section will comprise your sample section for the following activities.}

^{I.  Calculate Descriptive Statistics on your Language Sample:}

    ^{1) Count the total number of utterances by your target child within the sample section.}

    ^{2) Count the total number of utterances for each other speaker in the sample section.}

    ^{3) Calculate the percentage of target child utterances:}

    ^{(child utterances/total number of utterances)*100}

    ^{4) Calculate the percentage of utterances for each other speaker:}

                ^{(speaker utterances/total number of utterances)*100}

^{I.  Phonemes}

    ^{1) Find the first Target Child utterance.}

    ^{2) Using phonetic transcription, translate 10 consecutive Target Child utterances.}

^{(Suggestion: you might want to copy and paste this transcribed segment into a new document. Then, if you double space the 10 lines, you can write your transcription directly on a printed version.)}

^{III. Word Use}

^{In class you will receive a form that lists a subset of words from one of the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventories (termed the CDIs). CDIs are parent report forms for assessing language and communication skills in infants and young children.}

^{Using the form I provided, note how many of the listed words your target child used within the sample section.}

^{When completed, make a copy of this form to turn in. I will compile all of the data so that you can see where your Target Child is, as compared to other target children in the class.}

^{* Please bring your calculations, phonetic transcription, and Word Use checklist to class next Thusday, March 21st.}

back to top