Glossary
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Adult Word Count (AWC):
An Adult Word Count (AWC) is the number of words a child hears from an adult within a specific period of time: 5 minutes, hourly,
daily. Studies show an increase of Adult Word Count can lead to an increase in a child’s later language and academic success.
Child Vocalization (CV):
A child vocalization is counted when a child-speech of any length is surrounded by greater than 300 milliseconds of silence or other
sound which is not child-speech. Child Vocalizations do not include cries or vegetative sounds.
Examples:
Child speaks: (pause) “baba baba baba baba” (pause)
Child speaks: (pause) “but mama, I want the kitty now!” (pause)
Child speaks: (pause) “not that, (pause) I want that” (pause)Some examples of child vocalizations are:
- Canonical syllables: Baba, dada
- Protophones: squeals, growls, raspberries etc.
- Language dependent words and utterances
Conversational Turn (CT):
A Conversational Turn occurs when a child vocalizes (initiates) and an adult responds, or an adult speaks (initiates)
and a child responds. Each time that happens, one turn is counted. CT’s are the only way to measure engaged interaction
with a child, in order to enhance speech and language. Studies show an increase of Conversational Turns can lead to an
increase in a child’s later language and academic success.
Example: Child Initiates: “ba de do ba” and Adult Responds: “That’s right, that’s your bottle.” = One conversational turn
Example: Adult Initiates: “Are you playing with your bear?” and Child Responds: “My bear.” = One conversational turn
Developmental Snapshot:
The LENA Developmental Snapshot is an age-appropriate questionnaire that gives an estimate of a child’s developmental age, compared to their chronological age. LENA scientists and speech language pathologists developed the questionnaire, which is reliable and valid, and is highly correlated to standardized developmental assessments.
For more information, please reference LTR-07: The LENA™ Developmental Snapshot located on the LENA Foundation Research Page.
Digital Language Processor (DLP):
A two-ounce device developed to record your child’s language environment in order to provide you with feedback.
LENA Foundation Technical Reports (ITR):
Written by LENA Foundation scientists, these technical reports provide detailed information about LENA’s development, reliability and validity. Current topics are listed below and are available on the LENA Foundation Technical Reports Page: LTR-01: The Power of Talk
LTR-02: The LENA Natural Language Study
LTR-03: The LENA™ Language Environment Analysis System: Audio Specifications
LTR-04: The LENA™ Language Environment Analysis System: The Interpreted Time Segments (ITS) File
LTR-05: Reliability of the LENA™ Language Environment Analysis System in Young Children’s Natural Home Environment
LTR-06: Transcriptional Analyses of the LENA Natural Language Corpus
LTR-07: The LENA™ Developmental Snapshot
LTR-08: The LENA™ Automatic Vocalization Assessment
LTR-09: Clinical Applications of the Breakthrough LENA System: Monitoring Language in the Natural Environment of the Child
LTR-10: Development and Performance of the LENA Automatic Autism Screen
LENA Clothing:
The LENA Clothing is specifically designed for consistent and optimal acoustic properties, as well as
the child’s comfort. The clothing is a critical part of using the LENA System. The LENA Digital Language Processor
(DLP) fits snugly and unobtrusively into the pouch hidden in the front chest pocket, which is made out of special
materials to allow audio to come through. The placement of this pocket was designed based on the distance and proximity
of the key child’s mouth.
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