STUDY OF DEVIATIONS IN CHILDREN’S SPEECH FROM LEXICAL NORM: A SOCIOLINGUISTIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study examines the dynamics of deviations in children’s speech from the lexical norm based on a conducted social survey of 360 respondents across Kazakhstan. The survey results, conducted in various demographic and geographical regions, allow for an exploration of various social factors influencing the frequency of lexical deviations, including indicators of children’s dependence on gadgets. The role of parents in the development of the native (Kazakh) language is defined, arguing that a child’s ability to speak in accordance with lexical norms is influenced by their environment, friends, school, and particularly gadgets. The research utilized a sociological survey method, respondents being presented open-ended questions. The questionnaire was developed exclusively in the Kazakh language and distributed in all regions of Kazakhstan. Additional possibilities of the respondents’ response are considered. The survey and data collection were carried out within a period of more than 2 months. The study analyzed both the positive and negative effects of gadgets on the development of children’s speech, proposing language-cultural and community outreach efforts. Based on the survey results, it can be observed that the dynamics of children’s speech development are currently not aligned with linguistic norms, and the Kazakh (native) language is susceptible to distortion. In conclusion, the need to develop effective strategies for the proper use of various gadgets and smartphones to prevent deviations from the norm of children’s speech in language learning was proposed.