Did you know there are two different ways children can learn language?
They can either be an Analytic Language Processor or a Gestalt Language Processor!
Identifying which way your child is learning language allows you to provide the best support and gives you lots of insight in how your child is thinking about communication.
Let’s start with the Analytic Language Processor (ALP). These kiddos are considered “word babies”. They learn language at the word level before moving on to using two to three word phrases. Each word holds meaning and serves as a single unit. This means that “cat” means “cat” and “milk” means “milk”... for the most part. Sometimes as these children are learning language, “mama” might mean any person but that will quickly change as they mature and learn the vocabulary that fits each situation.
Gestalt Language Processors (GLPs) are known as “intonation babies”. They often learn language in chunks (gestalts) which means they may use multiple words that serve as a single unit. Their speech is typically full of rich intonation, but can be difficult to understand since they are often stringing together multiple words very quickly. These kiddos won’t begin using single words until later in their language development. This can look like a child singing the phrases “itsy bitsy spider” when they are excited or saying “time to go home” anytime they are saying goodbye. These phrases hold meaning but are often not literal. This means you may have to be a detective to determine what they are saying and what their intended meaning really is!
Determining which way your child is learning language allows you to support their language in the way that makes the most sense for them. For an Analytic Language Processor, you begin by modeling at the word level and move to longer phrases as they master those earlier language skills. For example, these kiddos might start by saying “juice” and move to “more juice”, “want juice” or “apple juice”.
For a Gestalt Language Processor, they will often learn language as a unit before being able to pull out individual words and understand that these individual words hold meaning. For example, your child may say “want some apple juice” every time they are thirsty and then transition to “want some” + “milk/water/grape juice, etc.”. There are six stages of language processing for a Gestalt Language Processor and identifying where your child is at can help you best support their language growth! These stages can be a bit tricky to navigate so I suggest speaking with a trained Speech Language Pathologist or checking out https://www.meaningfulspeech.com/ for some additional resources.
If you think your child may be a Gestalt Language Processor or are concerned about your child's speech and language development, please reach out for a FREE phone consultation!
AUTHOR: JESSIE KENSEY, M.S., CCC-SLP
Reference: Much of the information provided in this article is from the Meaningful Speech Course for SLPs which can be found at https://www.meaningfulspeech.com/.
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