Specific variability in the speech input as a tool in language support and language therapy for young children (T03*)

• Subject Area: General and Comparative Linguistics, Experimental Linguistics, Typology, Non-European Languages
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 317633480

Project T03 aims to translate the findings from CRC project C03 on the supportive effects of variability in language input on word learning into practical applications for promoting children's language development. Embedded in a larger project to recruit and place volunteer language mentors in kindergartens, T03 will develop training modules and practical materials for language mentors that take the effects of variability into account. An evaluation study will assess the effectiveness of this variability-based support. The project collaborates with several non-commercial educational and social institutions.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres (Transfer Project)
• Subproject of: SFB 1287: Limits of Variability in Language: Cognitive, Computational, and Grammatical Aspects
• Applicant Institution: Universität Potsdam
• Business and Industry: AWO Kinder- und Jugendhilfe Potsdam gGmbH; Fröbel e.V.; Geschäftsstelle Region Westbrandenburg; Sprachpat*innen für Kitakinder e.V.
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Adamantios Gafos; Professorin Dr. Barbara Höhle; Professor Dr. Jan Lonnemann