The study, reported in the journal Science, suggested that children come into the world equipped with the ability to pick up languages. They first played recordings of a word pattern to the babies for a few minutes to familiarize them with it. Then the infants listened to a series of recordings which mixed one structure with another. Those featuring new sequences captured their attention better than familiar ones. Findings also suggest that infants are able to pick familiar words out of fluent speech - at least they listened longer when read passages containing such words.
Scientists have yet to find out.
Parents anxious to give their babies a head start will no doubt be reading to them while they are in the womb. It's never too early to learn. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines .