Previous research on argumentative development and the use of mental state terms show an interdependence between language, cognition and emotion, as well as the influence of the context of social interaction on their development. Along these lines, this study analyzes the relationship between the mental lexicon used by children during disputes within play situations, the socioeconomic condition of their household, the age of the participants, and the argumentative activity of the child and their interlocutors. 476 disputes during play situations were analyzed in the homes of 24 4-year-old Argentinean children from low and middle income groups. Results showed that the argumentative activity of the participants promotes the use of mental state terms. Although a greater use of this type of vocabulary was identified in mid-SES children, peer interactions increase their use, especially in children from low socioeconomic households. These findings may contribute to the design of educational interventions aimed at promoting children’s linguistic, sociocognitive and emotional development.
Keywords:
mental state vocabulary, argumentation, social interaction, socioeconomic status, infancy
Rosemberg, C. R., Stein, A., Audisio, C. P., Resches, M., & Quiroga, M. (2021). Mental state vocabulary in children’s argumentations. A study in argentine households from different social groups. Lenguas Modernas, (57), pp. 23–47. Retrieved from https://revistaei.uchile.cl/index.php/LM/article/view/65166
