Language Assessments

Assessments of language learning in 18-month-olds suggest that children are better at [blank] the names of objects with repeated syllables, over words with non-identical syllables. Researchers say the study may help [blank] why some words or phrases, such as 'train' and 'good night', have given rise to versions with repeated syllables, such as choo-choo and night-night. The researchers say such words are easier for infants to learn, and may provide them [blank] a starter point for vocabulary learning. A team from the University of Edinburgh assessed the infants' language learning behavior in a series of visual and attention tests using pictures on a computer screen of two unfamiliar objects. The two objects were named with made-up words which were [blank] to the infants by a recorded voice - one with two identical syllables, for example neenee, and the other without repeated syllables, such as bolay. The infants were then tested for their recognition of [blank] word. Recordings of their eye movements showed they looked more reliably at the object labeled with repeated syllables, than the other object. Researchers validated their results with a control test, in which the infants responded to pictures of familiar objects - such as a dog or an apple.