Experiments suggest that exposure to language in the uterus provides the foundation for learning
New research indicates that newborn babies may already be able to recognize and prefer their mother’s native language, suggesting that language learning may begin before birth. Studies have shown that fetuses can hear sounds in the later stages of gestation, and newborns have been found to recognize their mother’s voice and show a preference for it. Now, researchers at the University of Padua in Italy have conducted experiments to investigate whether newborns can also recognize the language their mother spoke during pregnancy.
Brain Activity of Newborns Reveals Language Recognition
In a study conducted by Judit Gervain and her colleagues, the brain activity of 49 newborn babies with French-speaking mothers was examined. The babies, aged between one and five days old, were fitted with a cap containing electrodes placed near regions of the brain associated with speech perception. The researchers played recordings of stories in English, French, and Spanish to the babies, observing their brain activity during the different languages.
Spike in Brain Signal Linked to Speech Perception
The findings revealed that when the babies listened to recordings in their mother’s native language, French, there was a spike in a brain signal called long-range temporal correlations, which is associated with speech perception and processing. This signal was reduced when the babies heard other languages. Furthermore, in a group of babies who heard French last, the spike in neural activity was sustained during the subsequent silence.
Boost for Learning Native Language
According to Gervain, these findings suggest that babies may already recognize their mother’s native language as more important. The spike in neural activity when exposed to the mother tongue could serve as a boost for learning the language. This early exposure to language in the uterus may provide the foundation for language acquisition and comprehension later in life.
Future Research and Implications
The researchers plan to expand their studies to include babies with mothers who speak different languages, particularly Asian or African languages, to determine the generalizability of their findings. They also aim to investigate how the development of speech perception in the uterus may vary for infants with atypical prenatal experiences, such as premature babies. These studies could shed light on the role of early language exposure in shaping language development and learning.
Everyday Speech as a Scaffolding for Learning
Gervain emphasizes that even everyday activities like talking to the belly or engaging in conversations can act as a scaffolding for a baby’s language learning. The research suggests that the language heard during pregnancy plays a significant role in shaping a newborn’s language preferences and abilities.
Conclusion:
The latest research suggests that language learning may begin before birth, with newborn babies showing a preference for their mother’s native language. The spike in brain activity when exposed to the mother tongue indicates that early exposure to language in the uterus may provide the foundation for language acquisition and comprehension. This research opens up new avenues for understanding the role of prenatal experiences in language development and has implications for future studies on language learning.
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