Which one of the following is a distinct characteristic of the pattern of speaking to infants called "parentese"?

A. Parentese involves long, complicated sentences.
B. Parentese entails the use of infrequent gestures.
C. Parentese uses understated voice inflections.
D. Parentese has a distinct "musical" quality.

Parentese, or infant-directed speech, is characterized by a musical quality that infants prefer over regular speech, aiding in engagement and language development.

Explanation:

Parentese, also known as infant-directed speech, has a distinct 'musical' quality characterized by exaggerated vowel and consonant sounds, a high-pitched voice, and facial expressions.

Research has shown that infants pay more attention to parentese due to its rhythmic and melodic features, promoting engagement and language development.

Studies indicate that infants show a preference for singing over speech, highlighting the importance of musical elements in caregiver-infant interactions.

Learn more about Parentese and infant-directed speech here:

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