Publication Type: Individual Poster
Abstract: Background
It has been reported that language development in twins is delayed compared to singletons because of their low birth weight and reduced opportunities of individual conversation with their mother. Some articles, however, have reported that twins develop a special communication system named autonomous language or secret language. We defined ‘twin language’ as the unique system that works only between twins. Recently ‘twin language’ is highlighted as a reason for the delay in language development among twins. The purpose of this study was to examine whether twins show delayed language development and whether ‘twin language’ relates to this impairment.
Methods
Twenty-six mothers of twins and eleven mothers of singletons at age 24-28 months completed measures of prenatal and postnatal status and socioeconomic status. Language development was assessed with Tsumori-Inage infant developmental scale reported by mothers. The question about ‘twin language’ was asked “Have you thought your twin communicates using their unique language that parents can not understand?”.
Results
Language speaking ability using simple grammar was significantly lower in twins (p<0.05) although there was no significant difference in comprehension ability between twins and singletons. Twins less frequently used their own name compared to singletons. There was no difference in language development quotient (DQ) between twins and singletons. Twins with ‘twin language’ showed better comprehension and speaking ability than the other twins. Social development quotient (DQ) in twins with ‘twin language’ was lower as compared to the other twins.
Conclusion
Twins showed lower speaking ability but no significant delay in language development when compared to singletons. It has been reported that twins more frequently communicate with non-verbal language. The use of non-verbal language associates with low speech production in twins. ‘Twin language’ did not cause the delay in language development in twins but rather enhanced language ability. This indicates that twins with ‘twin language’ have an alternative channel of communication like bilingual children.