Prompting routines in the language socialization of Basotho children

Abstract

The learning of socially appropriate norms of behavior is a complex and multifaceted process. Prompting for the use of appropriate verbal behavior plays an active role in the social development of children in Basotho society. This chapter examines the prominent use of ere … 'say …' and other prompts by Sesotho-speaking caregivers during interaction with children. It identifies the forms these linguistic routines take and the functional contexts in which they occur. Finally, it examines how these prompts are used in the socialization of young children, providing them with a framework from which to recognize social situations and respond accordingly.