What is Telegraphic Speech? Telegraphic Speech Examples and Definition

What is Telegraphic Speech? Telegraphic Speech Examples and Definition

What is Telegraphic Speech?

Do you remember the telegram, the way of communication in the past? This form of communication, which is made using words shortly and simply, gave its name to the type of speech we will talk about in this article. Telegraphic speech is a way of communicating with a word or two without creating a sentence. This type of speech, which can be seen in children with a new beginning to speak, is the situation of expressing the problem by saying a simple word or by combining two simple words.

Telegraphic speech, which is considered the beginning of the speaking ability, is of great importance due to its place in human life. For this reason, it is possible to say that telegraphic speech is seen in newly beginning children all over the world. To explain briefly, we can say that telegraphic speech is the first type of verbal communication.

How is Telegraphic Speaking in Children?

It is impossible to expect children who are just starting to speak to suddenly make complete sentences. Although communication with children is established with a complete sentence structure, children cannot show the same ability all at once. Children who start talking can express their feelings and express their wishes with a telegraphic speech. With the advancement of this type of speech over time, children step into complete sentence structure. This means that telegraphic speech forms a basis.

Examples of Telegraphic Speech by Children

Let’s explain what we mean by mentioning a small example. Imagine a child who seems to be looking for something in the house and has just started talking. When you ask him/her what he/she is looking for, he/she will understand your sentence, but will not be able to make a complete sentence. By simply saying “Toy!” To you, he will be able to express what he/she has sought and cannot find.

One of the other examples of the telegraphic way of speaking you can hear from children is that the child shows that she wants to eat by saying “Hungry” to the person he/she is with. Children can also indicate what they want you to do in this way of speaking, such as “Come” or “Go”. They can also show you the objects or living things they see and tell you what happened. For example, when they say “Cat!” While walking on the road, they convey what they see to you. This telegraphic conversation gets stronger as children continue to evolve. This is evidence that the level of grammar has increased. This time, they can express themselves better by using two words. Examples of this are “daddy come”, “sister site”, “give me”.

Prepare Children for Telegraphic Speech

Being able to direct children who have not started talking yet but can make sounds to telegraphic speech is very important for them to acquire their first communication skills. It is possible to show a few simple instructions to do this orientation. For example, share the names of objects that children see around with them. Another tip that can be given is to ask them a question and give the answer. The next time you ask that question, the child can give you the answer. As an example, take a spoon in your hand. Ask the child, “What is this?” Then tell them that the item you have is a spoon. Ask the same question again. The answer he can give you this time will be a spoon.

Is Telegraphic Speaking Only in Children?

Telegraphic speech, which starts with children gaining the ability to speak, leaves its place to a normal level of speech with the growth and development of children. It is possible to see children who gain this ability later. When we look at adults, the short answers of adults are not the type of telegraphic speech. But still, some adults can make telegraphic conversation. The reason for this may be neurological diseases. For example multiple sclerosis. It is also known as aphasia disease, which is one of the reasons for this speech in adults. It is a speech that can also be seen in patients with schizophrenia. Adults who do not have such diseases are individuals who have already gone beyond telegraphic speech.