MLU (Mean Length of Utterance) Calculator
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Mean Length of Utterance (MLU) is a key metric used in language development studies to assess the linguistic complexity of a child's speech. By calculating the average length of a child’s spoken sentences or phrases, researchers and clinicians can gain insights into language acquisition progress.
Historical Background
MLU was first introduced by Roger Brown in 1973 as a reliable measure for tracking language development in young children. The concept has since been widely adopted in both clinical and research settings.
Calculation Formula
The formula to calculate MLU is:
\[ \text{MLU} = \frac{\text{Total Number of Words}}{\text{Total Number of Utterances}} \]
Example Calculation
If a child produces the following utterances:
- "I want juice."
- "Mommy is home."
- "Look at doggy."
The MLU would be calculated as:
\[ \text{MLU} = \frac{(3 + 3 + 3)}{3} = 3 \text{ words per utterance} \]
Importance and Usage Scenarios
MLU is commonly used by speech-language pathologists to evaluate a child’s expressive language skills and compare them to age-based norms. It also helps identify potential delays or language disorders.
Common FAQs
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What is considered a typical MLU for a specific age?
- For a 2-year-old, an MLU around 2.0 is typical, while a 4-year-old might have an MLU closer to 4.0.
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What are some limitations of MLU?
- MLU does not consider syntactic complexity or sentence structure, focusing only on word count. This limits its application when analyzing more advanced language skills.
This calculator offers a simple and accurate method to compute MLU, making it a valuable tool for both parents and professionals monitoring language development.