Why Do Some Children Start Talking Earlier?
Casal dels Infants – Some children can start talking much earlier than their peers, even from a very young age and developmental stage. Language development in children is a crucial process that takes place during the first four years of life. However, the speed of this development varies from one child to another. What causes this difference? Recent research offers some answers.
A study reported by Science Alert and conducted by psychologist Elika Bergelson from Harvard University highlights the importance of adult conversations in a child’s language development. In a study involving 1,001 children from 12 countries and 43 languages, Bergelson found that the frequency of children’s babbling was not linked to gender, socioeconomic status, or exposure to multiple languages.
“Continue Reading: Artificial Intelligence for Children? Experts Urge Caution”
The most significant factor in helping children start talking earlier is how often they hear adults speaking around them. The more frequently children are exposed to adult conversations, the greater their chances of starting to talk earlier and developing their language skills more effectively.
In this research, Bergelson’s team analyzed over 40,000 hours of audio recordings using machine learning technology. They discovered that children naturally increase their number of vocalizations over time. On average, children produce about 66 additional sounds per hour as they grow older each year.
Interestingly, children who were more frequently exposed to adult conversations showed much faster language development compared to those who were not. On the other hand, children with non-typical language development, such as those with dyslexia or those born prematurely, tended to produce about 20 fewer vocalizations per hour than their peers.
The study confirms that age plays an essential role in language development. The social environment surrounding the child also has a strong influence. Children raised in conversation-rich environments have a greater chance of speaking early and developing stronger communication skills.
However, this research focused only on the quantity of vocalizations produced by children during the day. It did not measure the quality or complexity of the language used.
Bergelson’s study suggests that increasing the amount of adult conversation around children can be a key factor in supporting their language growth. Socioeconomic status or gender did not directly affect the frequency of vocalizations. However, children who grow up in communication-rich environments still gain an advantage in mastering language early.
“Read More: Parasite, Best 21st Century Film by New York Times”
