The Press

[Kathy Hirsh-Pasek]

>
>Susan, I agree that we must take this very seriously.  Much of the problem,
>I fear, is that we don't know how to put our findings, indeed, even our
>questions, into a form that the lay public can understand.   Thus, we
should
>not be surprised if  reporters don't get it right.  Reporters are looking
>for sound bites.  Unfortunately,   issues in language development don't
>squeeze easily into a sound bite.   In the last year or so -- especially in
>my connection to the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and in Roberta's and
my
>forthcoming lay book on language development -- I've grappled a lot with
how
>to tell our story to those who do not live it everyday.  It's amazingly
>difficult.  At least two lessons that I've learned might help us start this
>discussion.  First, if you don't create the sound bite for the press, they
>will create it for you.  Second, and taking the lead from Steve Pinker's
>outstanding ability to communicate about language through writing, have a
>good example ready that elucidates what you are trying to say.  Reporters
>love concrete examples that make the point.   Even though we may be
>misquoted -- sometimes beyond recognition -- it is important to share our
>findings with the larger public.  As I see it, we have exciting news to
>offer the people who pay our bills through their tax dollars.  Press for
>results like Gary's helps us all because it allows the public see the
fruits
>of research.  Kathy Hirsh-Pasek