The use of 'left' and 'right' in speech: the development of listener-specific skills.

Abstract

ABSTRACTTwo experiments are reported, where the development of pragmatic communication skills was assessed in a simple but realistic setting, so that even the youngest speakers could construct consistently accurate messages. It was shown that children of up to six years are specifically hampered by the speaker's use of left and right, but not by the use of named landmarks. Children were also allowed to create their own messages. The ability of the speaker to use language which would be valuable to a particular listener could then be measured. The results show a development between six and seven years in speakers' ability to select and use linguistic forms which are appropriate to listeners' receptive skills, though speakers could use objectively accurate information at an earlier age.