Infants Recognize Foreign Languages as Communication

Children begin to understand language as soon as they are born; and as they grow, they eventually learn to communicate on their own. Usually they learn to communicate using the same language spoken in their environment. However new research suggests babies are able to recognize foreign languages as well.

In a study published by New York University, 12-month-olds were placed in front of actors who spoke in different languages. While the actors were speaking, researchers tracked the length of each child’s gaze. According to researchers, gaze length is commonly used to measure a baby’s understanding of language.

While the infants could not understand the meaning of the foreign words themselves, they could understand the foreign language was being used as a means of communicating. The study’s results further proved language skills begin to develop at an early age.

Most children learn language by listening to the words and sounds around them and practicing what they hear. As infants grow, there are certain developmental milestones they should reach as their language and communication skills develop.

“Even at just a few months old, you find that infants start to babble or coo and these are signs that their language skills are growing,” said Patricia Mayro, MA, CCC-SLP, clinical educator at the Speech-Language Institute (SLI). “If you’re child isn’t doing any of these things, that’s usually a concern.”

Between the ages of one and two, if the child hasn’t shown any major signs of language development, there could be an underlying problem. The Speech-Language Institute (SLI) offers an array of services to help with language development.

Speech-language pathologists can assess language skills of children and create a customized treatment plan to help improve communication. Schedule an appointment with an expert at SLI today by calling 215.780.3150.