Direct and indirect requests in children's language

The production of direct and indirect requests in children of different ages in relation to request content and interlocutor's characteristics is the aim of this research study. Data from two complementary studies are presented: a longitudinal study and a cross-sectional study. In the first study, requests uttered by 8 children (from 24 to 48 months) in interaction with an adult partner are analysed. In the second study, requests produced by 48 children aged 4, 6 and 8 years are analysed in a controlled situation. The results show that children produce productive requests from 30 months of age. Direct requests are the most used until the age of four years. The type of request used is influenced by its content (whether direct or indirect), whereas age influences the variety of requests produced. © 2005, Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.