Core, Fringe, and Personal Core
In AAC, vocabulary is organized into three important categories: Core Words, Fringe Words, and Personal Core Words. These categories play a crucial role in helping individuals communicate effectively. In this blog post, we will explore what each of these categories means and how they are used in AAC.
1. Core Words
Core words are fundamental words that are commonly used in everyday conversation. These words are versatile and can be used in various contexts to express a wide range of ideas and needs. Some examples of core words include "I," "you," "want," "more," "go," "stop," and "help." These words are essential for building sentences and facilitating communication.
Key Characteristics of Core Words:
Core words make up a significant portion of spoken and written language (approximately 80%).
They are used frequently and have multiple meanings in different contexts.
Core words help individuals express a wide range of thoughts and feelings.
Thankfully, AAC devices and communication boards now often include a robust selection of core words to give users the tools they need to communicate effectively. Teaching and modeling the use of core words is a crucial aspect of AAC, as it enables individuals to express themselves more efficiently.
2. Fringe Words
Fringe words, on the other hand, are specific and less commonly used words that are typically related to an individual's interests, activities, or specific communication needs. These words are not as versatile as core words and may not be useful in as many situations. Examples of fringe words may include the names of foods, places, or toys.
Key Characteristics of Fringe Words:
Fringe words are less common and context-specific.
They reflect specific topics or subjects that may not be widely understood or used in everyday conversation.
They are also important for effective and efficient communication.
While fringe words may not be as universally applicable as core words, they are still crucial for individualized communication. Including fringe words in AAC systems allows users to express themselves fully and engage in conversations about their interests.
3. Personal Core Words
Personal core words are a subset of words that are particularly relevant to an individual's unique communication needs and experiences. These words will vary from person to person based on their life circumstances, daily routines, and personal preferences. Personal core words bridge the gap between general core words and fringe words, ensuring that AAC users have the vocabulary they need to communicate effectively in their daily lives. Some personal core words may be names of family or pets, places visited often, or highly motivating activities that the individual wants to talk about.
Key Characteristics of Personal Core Words:
Personal core words are tailored to an individual's specific communication requirements.
They include words that are frequently used in an individual's daily life.
Personal core words enhance the user's ability to communicate about their personal experiences.
AAC therapists and educators work closely with individuals and their families to identify and incorporate personal core words into their communication systems. These words help AAC users express themselves authentically and engage in more meaningful conversations.
Understanding the distinctions between core words, fringe words, and personal core words is helpful for adjusting programming for an effective and efficient AAC system. Core words provide a foundation for communication, while fringe words and personal core words allow individuals to express their unique interests and experiences. By combining these categories of vocabulary, AAC users can communicate more effectively and engage in meaningful interactions with others, enriching their overall quality of life.