Maidese Versus Motherese — Is The Language Input of Child and Adult Caregivers Similar?

This paper considers whether there is any difference in the amount and characteristics of language addressed to infants by their primary caregivers, the maid and the mother, in a society where multiple caregiving is commonplace. It also considers any possible effect on motherese of the mothers' belief in reincarnation. The language of 16 mothers and their 16 maids with 12-month old infants, was analyzed. There were significant differences in the amount of language and types of utterances, but few differences in the functions of the utterances or topics introduced.