Time-Sampling Analysis of Infants' Natural Language Environments in the Home

The natural home language environment of 2 1-year-old infants was recorded by means of a time-sampling tape recorder for 1 week. This comprehensive sampling was analyzed in terms of (a) all language inputs to which the babies were exposed and (b) a categorical system of language interactions between parent and child. The data portray specific characteristics of the babies' language experience patterns, indicating notable similarities and differences between the families. The relevance of this mode of research is discussed in terms of the crucial link between infants' receptive language experience and productive language development.