REDUPLICATION IN CHILDREN'S SPEECH AND ITS PRAGMATIC ROLE

This paper examines the use of reduplication in early childhood speech, emphasizing its role beyond phonological repetition. Rather than viewing it as a simple or immature feature, the study highlights how reduplication supports children's ability to communicate emotions, gain attention, soften requests, manage conversations, and improve clarity. Drawing on cross-linguistic examples from English, Russian, and Uzbek, the analysis reveals reduplication as a purposeful and universal tool in children's early language development.