Abstract
Observation of preverbal intentional communication: A coding system based on natural category. Research in preverbal communication is mainly based upon observation. A critical review of literature shows, however, limitations in the observational systems used until now. In this paper, we describe a new instrument for the observation of communicative behavior. It was created in the context of a study on the emergence of the intention to communicate and its relation to other aspects of development. Starting from the concept of "intentional act of communication", which is considered to be a natural category with fuzzy boundaries, four category systems are developed. These are integrated into a single coding system, which allows to observe the frequency and functions of intentional acts of communication, as well as the particular behaviors involved and their space-time and social features. This system was applied in a longitudinal study of communicative development. Results revealed the relevance of the defined dimensions and categories, and the reliability of the data gathered through the use of the instrument.
