- Couples communicate using the same techniques used with babies and dogs
- Simple language and a high pitch ensure that their messages get across
Married couples communicate using the same techniques used with babies and dogs, a study has found.
Long-suffering husbands and wives use exaggerated facial expressions, simple language and a higher tone of voice to ensure their messages get across.
The way of speaking, known as ‘baby talk’ or ‘native talk’, is the same way that children and dogs attract attention, who cannot understand what is being said.
Researcher Édua Koós-Hutás, from Lorand University in Hungary, said: ‘The way parents talk to babies and to each other has many similarities in the way their facial expressions change.
“This similarity may stem from emotional closeness and connection and can help create a genuine and focused atmosphere when they talk.”
Couples communicate using the same techniques used with babies and dogs, a study shows (stock image)
The researchers found that people often adopt “surprised” expressions – with wide eyes, raised eyebrows and more teeth visible – when talking to their spouses.
They also observed more exaggerated mouth movements.
These techniques are often used when talking to babies to help them learn language skills, and when talking to dogs in an attempt to relay messages to a non-verbal animal.
Baby talk may also involve speaking at a higher pitch with a sing-along tone, a slower pace and the use of simplified, often repeated words, the researchers said.
The study, published in Applied Animal Behavior Science, examined 46 married people who had a dog and a baby.
The researchers analyzed facial expressions and emotional states as the individuals spoke individually to their partner, child and pet
The researchers analyzed facial expressions and emotional states as the individuals spoke individually to their partner, child and pet.
They found that the parents used more pronounced facial muscle movements while talking to the dog or reading a nursery rhyme to their baby.
This was considered an effective way to attract and maintain attention.
Surprisingly, they found similar results when the spouses addressed each other.
They said the reason for this varies, but couples can use these techniques to keep their partner’s attention or strengthen the emotional bond.
When communicating with strangers, the range of facial expressions and exaggerated mouth movements were reduced.