A child’s first word is a special moment, their eyes widening in curiosity, one chubby finger pointing to an object in sudden recognition as “juice” or “train.” Forever written in baby books and memories, that first word is a triumph, their induction into the speaking world.
But it is what precedes that moment, the processes leading to language comprehension, that most interests the Waisman Center Infant Learning Lab.
“Our research provides us with a way to actually try to understand and study something that appears almost magical,” said Professor Jenny Saffran, who runs the Infant Learning Lab.