Toddler-directed and adult-directed gesture frequency in monolingual and bilingual caregivers

Aims and objectives: This study was designed to assess whether bilingual caregivers, compared with monolingual modify their nonverbal gestures match the increased communicative and/or cognitive-linguistic demands of language contexts – as would be predicted based on ‘Facilitative Strategy Hypothesis’. Methodology: We examined rate (i.e., representational beat gestures) in caregivers when retelling a cartoon story child or an adult, context (‘synonym’ for caregivers). Data analysis: calculated frequency all gestures, each addressee (adult-directed vs. toddler-directed) (monolingual bilingual/synonym), separately caregivers. Using linear mixed models, we contrasted versus caregivers’ gesture frequency. Findings/conclusions: Bilingual more than irrespective context. Furthermore, found evidence support Facilitative Hypothesis across both groups child-directed retelling. used (language mixing using synonyms Originality: To our knowledge, this is first use communication Significance/implications: Independent status, adjust multimodal strategies (specifically interacting children. under demands, further increase rate.