New research uncovers the best way to help babies learn how to talk
Speaking to babies in ‘sing-song’ speech – such as nursery rhymes – is the best way for them to learn how to talk, according to a new study conducted by the University of Cambridge and Trinity College Dublin.
The research challenges previous assumptions that babies learn language through phonetics – the smallest sound elements of speech. Instead, the study reveals that babies process phonetic information only at around seven months old, while they struggle with it at around 11 months old, when they tend to say their first words.
The study suggests that babies actually learn language in their early months through rhythmic speech and information, with emphasis in a song helping them to recognize the start and end of individual words.
Professor Usha Goswami from the University of Cambridge explained, Our research shows that the individual sounds of speech are not processed reliably until around seven months old, even though most infants can recognize familiar words like ‘bottle’ by this point. We believe therefore that speech rhythm information is the hidden glue underpinning the development of a well-functioning language system.
The researchers recorded the electrical brain activity of 50 babies at four, seven, and 11 months old while they watched a video of a primary school teacher singing nursery rhymes. By analyzing the brainwaves using a special algorithm, the study provided the first evidence of how brain activity related to phonetic information changes over time in response to continuous speech.
Professor Giovanni Di Liberto from Trinity College Dublin stated, This is the first evidence we have of how brain activity related to phonetic information changes over time in response to continuous speech. Previous studies have relied on comparing the responses to nonsense syllables, but this new research offers valuable insights into language development.
The findings emphasize the significance of rhythmic speech in helping babies acquire language skills. By talking and singing to their babies, parents can provide the necessary scaffold for infants to learn phonetic information effectively. Nursery rhymes and infant-directed speech can make a substantial difference in their language outcomes.
The research project is part of the BabyRhythm initiative led by Professor Goswami, focused on investigating how language is learned and its connection to dyslexia and developmental language disorder. The studies received funding from the European Research Council and Science Foundation Ireland.
The research challenges traditional notions of language development, refuting the belief that phonetics alone drive the learning process. With these new insights into the role of rhythmic speech, parents can enhance their babies’ language skills and set them on a path towards successful communication.
In conclusion, talking and singing to babies with rhythmic speech, like nursery rhymes, has been proven as the best way to stimulate language learning in infants. By embracing the power of music and emphasizing moments of emphasis in songs, parents can provide their babies with the foundation for a well-functioning language system.
