La metodología Retamhe y el Proyecto Childes: breviario para la codificación y análisis del lenguaje infantil

Abstract

RETAMHE methodology and the CHILDES project with a focus on minimal standards to codify and analyze child language. This paper investigates some methodological issues concerning research in the field of child language and introduces a set of instruments and software developed in the context of the CHILDES (Child Language Data Exchange System) Project. The RETAHME system provides powerful tools for recording, transcribing, and analyzing spontaneous speech samples. Information about the use of the coding system (CHAT) for making distinctions in the transcription process is provided together with the minimum set of standards (minCHAT) to create CHAT files. The CLAN computer programs are used to analyze files containing transcriptions of speech samples for frequency counts, word searches, interactional analyses, etc. The core set of CLAN commands and options constitute the minCLAN system. The first steps in learning to use the CHILDES tools are also explained.