Motherese is a term used to describe the language used by mothers when speaking to their babies. It is sometimes referred to as baby talk, infant-directed speech or parentese. This type of language is characterized by a higher pitch, slower tempo, and exaggerated intonation patterns. Mothers may also use simpler vocabulary and repetition when communicating with their babies. Other synonyms for motherese include child-directed speech and caregiver language. These terms are used to describe the unique way in which caregivers communicate with young children, which is thought to aid in language acquisition and development. Although motherese has been criticized for being too simplistic, it plays an important role in infant language development.