Children with attention, executive functioning,  language. and learning problems may not pick up on the subtle differences in voice inflection that change the meaning of what parents, teachers, or peers are saying.  They may not use voice inflection much and so they may not understand when others use it.  

Without understanding or picking up on the inflection in another’s voice, a youngster could interpret what he hears each time in the same way or in the wrong way.  Inflection training can take the form of making one sentence mean several different things — discussing these and practicing this skill is necessary for success socially and in the classroom.

Demonstrate and Explain the Impact of Voice Inflection

Explain to your child how changing voice inflection to emphasize one word can the meaning of a simple sentence.   Use this example to explain how emphasizing the italicized word in the sentence below can result in many different meanings.

He did not steal her purse: someone else did.

He did not steal her purse: maybe, he borrowed it.

He did not steal her purse: he stole someone else’s purse.

He did not steal her purse: he stole her book.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Practice with more complex sentences, and be sure to include examples you have noticed your child struggling with.

© 1995-2019 Monte W. Davenport, Ph.D.