Which Words Should I be Teaching?

For early language learners, one question I get frequently is which words should parents be targeting. This is a salient question for SLPs as well, since we are only given a limited about of time each week. As a general whole, spoken language is divided into 2 categories of words: core words and fringe words.

Core Words: words that are non-specific, can be used across a variety of situations

• Want
• More
• Like
• Help
• Need
• Come
• Look
• All done
• Mine
• Yes/no

Fringe words: Words that refer to a certain or specific thing

• Family names
• favorite toys/shows/characters
• foods
• places
• games/activities

Both core and fringe words can be important to learn. Core words are beneficial because one word can apply to many different things. “More” can be used during meals, play, daily routines etc. Fringe words are important because of the direct relevance and importance of the specific person/thing to the child. “You” would be a core word that can be used to talk to lots of people, and may be easier to learn than individual names. Words like “mama” “aunty” or “Ava” would be considered fringe words and would require more effort to learn individually, but also more meaningful to the child, as well as the communication partner. Additionally, core words are great for establishing basic communication, but can only get you so far. “More” could mean “more food” but maybe they really want more apple slices and they’re being offered crackers, milk, carrots, etc. Or it could mean “more Blippi” and we’re giving more Bluey – or more apple slices!

My usual recommendation is that for a child with very limited communication, get a few core words established whether by word, gesture, or picture cue, so that they begin to understand the cause/effect concept of communication and have a tool that can work across situations. But once that concept is there, bring in the fringe words as soon as possible.