Understanding infant language learning

August 4, 2010

By hammersmith

[Source: UA News] – Two prevailing schools of thought explain how infants acquire language: one arguing that babies soak up information like sponges, while the other maintains that humans, born with innate linguistics leanings, are rational learners.

The two theories have been in opposition for decades, but a third has surfaced in recent years that shows promise for providing a more accurate description of how babies learn, said LouAnn Gerken, a University of Arizona psychology and linguistics professor.

For more information: Understanding Infant Language Learning