Core Vocabulary

A small set of high-frequency words — typically pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and prepositions — that make up approximately 80% of what people say in everyday communication. Examples include words like "I," "want," "go," "more," "help," and "that." In AAC practice, core vocabulary is placed in consistent, predictable locations across all communication boards to support motor planning (the ability to automatically reach for a word without thinking about its location). Core vocabulary contrasts with fringe vocabulary, which consists of situation-specific nouns and other content words. Effective AAC systems combine both, with core vocabulary always accessible and fringe vocabulary changing based on context.