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A recent study has revealed that baby talk and babbling are beneficial for infants learning to communicate. Contrary to the belief that this playful speech can hinder a child’s language development, new findings indicate that our instinct to engage in baby talk is indeed advantageous. Why is this the case? Because it helps introduce children to the nuances of speech in a way they can easily imitate.
Conducted at the University of Florida and published in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, the study examined six- to eight-month-old babies who were exposed to two distinct types of speech: one mimicking adult voices and the other reflecting baby talk, characterized by shorter and higher-pitched sounds. The infants showed a marked preference for baby talk, indicating that they are naturally drawn to sounds that resonate with their own vocal tract size. Researchers believe that this form of communication provides infants with the auditory cues needed to form their first words.
Interestingly, younger babies aged four to six months did not show a preference, likely because they are still developing their ability to produce word-like sounds. “It appears to encourage not just the perception but also the production of speech,” notes Dr. Thomas Parker, a coauthor of the study. In essence, baby talk serves as an accessible way for infants to learn how to communicate at their own level.
Dr. Linda Green, another coauthor, emphasized the importance of engaging infants to help them grasp the concept of speech production. “We’re priming them to recognize their own voices,” she explained. Previous research has also supported the notion that baby talk enhances language acquisition; a Stanford University study found that babies around the world prefer this form of speech as it effectively captures their interest and facilitates learning.
There’s still much to learn about the optimal age for using baby talk and when it might become less effective or even annoying—one can imagine that by age 15, asking “Where did dat go?” may not be appropriate. However, for now, starting around six months and continuing until they master basic sounds, baby talk appears to be a valuable tool in language development.
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Summary:
Baby talk is not just whimsical chatter; it plays a crucial role in helping infants learn to communicate. Research indicates that babies prefer this form of speech, which helps them understand and mimic language patterns. Engaging in baby talk from around six months can significantly aid in their language development.
Keyphrase: Baby talk and language development
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