According to Hart and Risley, how many words per hour does a child from a professional family typically hear?

Hart and Risley's research highlights the significant differences in language exposure among children from various socioeconomic backgrounds. The finding that children from professional families hear approximately 2,153 words per hour underscores the powerful impact of a linguistically rich environment on early language development. This high level of verbal interaction contributes not only to vocabulary growth but also to cognitive development overall. In contrast, children from less affluent backgrounds may experience considerably lower word exposure, which can subsequently affect their language skills and academic success later in life. The figure of 2,153 words per hour illustrates the important correlation between a child's home environment, parental engagement, and their early language acquisition, shedding light on the necessity of fostering rich verbal interactions to support children's growth. This emphasizes the role of language in shaping educational opportunities and outcomes, making it a crucial aspect of early childhood education and development.