Research is reviewed on the use of familiar nursery rhymes with mentally handicapped children, and it is concluded that the rhymes promote social interaction and word recognition. (CL)

Considers the culturally patterned set of analogic renamings found in Huli baby talk, nursery rhymes, and children's verbal games. An analysis of socialization activities shows a marked concern with body motifs and appellations and inter-adult behavior involving talk about the body, and showing that such language sensitizes children to cultural…