Nonword and real word repetition scores differentially predict toddler receptive and expressive lexicon size across time

Abstract

The current study investigated the strength of nonword and real-word repetition tests as predictors of lexicon size in 22 toddlers. Toddler’s repetition skills and lexicon size were measured at an initial assessment (Time 1) and ten weeks later (Time 2). Repetition skills at both time points were measured in terms of the percentage of consonants correct using a real-word and a nonword repetition task. Receptive and expressive lexicon size were measured using a vocabulary inventory in a parent-report questionnaire. Intercorrelations among repetition accuracy and vocabulary size at T1 and T2 were significant. Nonword repetition at Time 1 predicted receptive vocabulary size at Time 2, while real-word repetition at Time 1 predicted expressive vocabulary at Time 2. Findings appear to support a gradual strengthening of phonological representations in word learning. Future study directions were discussed. REPETITION SCORES DIFFERENTIALLY PREDICT LEXICON SIZE