Clarification requests and the language-impaired child

Abstract

The frequency, structure and sophistication of clarification requests with in a mother—language-impaired child dyad were examined. The mother— child dyad was videotaped in free-play situations before and after the onset of therapy. The data indicated that the clarification request was a consistent feature of both mother and child's interactive style. Both members of the dyad equally shared the floor for initiating clarification requests, both were usually successful in obtaining clarification, and both used a limited number of the clarification request categories. A developmental trend was observed. Remedial implications are discussed.