In the context of relationships of infants in their first year of life, abbreviation of communication can be understood as a process in which elements that were extensively negotiated, gradually appear in an abbreviated way during interactions. This process has been mainly studied in mother-infant relationships. Thus, the purpose of this study was to verify if abbreviation could also be observed in infants’ relationships with peers. Data were composed by video recordings regarding infants’ attendance at a daycare center. Subjects were a pair of twins (11 months) and two of their favorite playmates (9-14 months). Interactive episodes were microgenetically transcribed and analyzed. Abbreviation was identified in babies’ communication, presenting differently within each dyad. Its characteristics mostly depended on the partner, established relationships, and negotiations means used (crying, looking, babbling) between them, through time and situations. Theoretical and practical implications are highlighted.
Abbreviation; interaction among babies; microgenetic; daycare centre
