Research on language learning in babies by CIFAR psychologist Janet Werker highlighted in The New York Times

An article by Perri Klass in The New York Times discusses key research findings that have helped scientists understand how young brains listen to language, and how listening to languages shapes the brain. CIFAR psychologist Janet Werker’s work in language perception and learning in monolingual and bilingual babies is highlighted in the article. She found that babies born to bilingual mothers register the two languages as being different, and actually prefer those languages over others. Dr. Werker also found that babies not only use rhythmic sounds to discriminate between languages, but also visual cues like mouth and facial motions. Dr. Werker's research collaborations with other members of CIFAR's Experience-based Brain and Biological Development program are highlighted in the upcoming Fall 2011 issue of Reach magazine.Read more