Within the world of speech pathology and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), the terms core vocabulary and fringe vocabulary are often used, but what do they mean?
What is core vocabulary?
Core is defined as “the central or most important part of something”, and that’s exactly what it means in relation to vocabulary too!
Core vocab is the most common or “important” words that we use. Specific words/word list may vary slightly from one person to the next however the type of words that are included remain the same.
Core vocabulary includes words such as:
- Verbs (go, play, look, want, go,etc.)
- Pronouns (I, you, we, they)
- Helping verbs (is, am, etc.)
- modifiers (more, all done, that)
- Location words (in, on, up, down, etc.)
Core vocabulary is used across a variety of settings and situations. Having generalized words for a variety of tasks allows individuals to communicate with those around them, no matter where they may be.
What is fringe vocabulary?
Fringe vocabulary is the vocabulary that we use to make what we say more specific.
This vocabulary varies greatly from one person to the other, based upon their interests, preferences, and frequent activities; it allows us to customize what we say to a certain situation. Fringe vocabulary allows the communicator to build upon their core vocabulary to add detail to their language.
An example of what words/categories fringe vocabulary might include:
- Colors (red, orange, yellow, etc.)
- Toys (ball, blocks, puzzle, etc.)
- Food (water, juice, muffins, apples, etc.)
- Social (hello, goodbye, or custom pre-programmed greetings “How are you?”, etc.)
- Read (book, newspaper, turn the page, etc.)
An example of core vocabulary is “I want more” a sentence that applies to variety of situations. By changing that phrase to “I want more blocks”, adds fringe vocabulary, which allows the individual to be specific in a certain situation.
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