Language Development Starts in the Womb
Published: February 2, 2022
Author: Stacie Bennett, Speech-Language Pathologist, Trenton, New Jersey
Key Points
- Babies begin to hear from inside the womb at around 24 weeks of gestation.
- By approximately 8 months gestation, fetuses can distinguish between languages, such as English and Japanese.
Research Findings
- Researchers from the University of Kansas used non-invasive sensing technology to show in-utero language discrimination.
- The study, published in the journal NeuroReport, utilized advanced equipment to measure fetal heart rate, breathing, and body movements.
Implications
- Language development and understanding can begin a few days after birth.
- Newborns are sensitive to rhythmic differences between languages.
- Previous studies have shown changes in babies' behavior based on language rhythm.
Study Methods
- The study observed fetal reactions to different language rhythms by measuring heart rate changes.
- Fetal heart rates changed when exposed to rhythmically distinct languages (e.g., Japanese vs. English).
Conclusions
- Language development may start in utero, with fetuses attuning to the language they will acquire after birth.
- Prenatal exposure to language rhythms may be a foundational aspect of language acquisition.
Additional Information
- Studies emphasize the importance of auditory stimulation for the development of the auditory cortex.
- The study suggests prenatal sensitivity to language rhythms provides early building blocks for language acquisition.
Practical Applications
- Encourages early language exposure to aid in auditory and language development for newborns.
Related Resources
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Blub Blub Inc. The content is for informational purposes and should not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical concerns.