91Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ·×ÔÅÄ

Pia Rämä is a researcher at the Integrative Neuroscience and Cognition Center of the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), where she works in the Language and Cognition team. Her research focuses on early language acquisition and cognitive development in both monolingual and multilingual infants and children, utilizing advanced brain imaging techniques. In this interview, she provides insights into how newborns acquire language, the benefits of multilingualism, and the role of supportive learning environments in cognitive development.

Newborns are naturally prepared to learn one or multiple languages. They have an innate ability to perceive speech sounds and prefer their mother’s voice, as well as the language(s) spoken during pregnancy. During the first year of life, they become increasingly attuned to the sounds of their native language while becoming less sensitive to foreign language sounds.

Multilingualism does not confuse infants. Bilingual infants can distinguish between their languages, acquire speech sounds from both, and develop vocabulary in both. Some research suggests that bilingual infants are even more sensitive to foreign sounds, which supports efficient learning. There is no evidence that learning multiple languages causes delays; rather, multilingual environments can enhance cognitive flexibility.

Research indicates that multilingualism has several cognitive advantages. Bilingual infants exhibit stronger inhibitory control, faster attention switching, and increased curiosity in exploring novel information. These skills are beneficial not just in early development but also during later academic years. Exposure to diverse linguistic environments helps children develop problem-solving skills and adaptability.

Additionally, early speech perception skills predict later vocabulary growth, which in turn supports better reading comprehension and academic success. Learning multiple languages strengthens the brain’s executive functions which play a crucial role in decision-making.

Supportive environments are key. First, infants need consistent and rich exposure to their languages through everyday interactions with caregivers. Research shows that both the quantity and quality of language input are important. Caregivers should use infant-directed speech, adjusting their tone and speech patterns to engage infants actively.

Social interactions are crucial, children learn language best through meaningful conversations and real-world experiences rather than passive exposure to screens. Engaging in community activities and providing exposure to different linguistic settings also reinforce language development.

Finally, early interventions such as raising parental awareness, ensuring access to early childhood education, and promoting the benefits of multilingualism, are essential to maximizing the learning potential of young children. Encouraging children to learn in their home language(s) provides a strong foundation for lifelong language skills and academic success.