How do babies hear accents?

Babylab seeks 16-17-month-olds to take part in new study
A toddler playing with colourful toys in the BabyLab (full-bleed)

How do babies hear accents?

Babylab seeks 16-17-month-olds to take part in new study

The University of Plymouth’s Babylab needs more parents and carers to volunteer their children for a study exploring how babies hear and respond to different accents.
The lab, which has a 20-year track record of studying language development from infancy to school age, is looking for children aged between 16 and 17 months.
Register your interest

PhD student Dar’ya Klymenko is interested in how exposure to speech variability influences language acquisition in infants and says: 

My study is investigating the link between babies hearing multiple accents in their environment and recognising words in accents they haven't heard before. We are looking specifically for children who primarily hear English and are not bilingual.

This study will help us better understand how different kinds of language diversity impact how babies learn their first language, and we would really people’s help.
First opened in 2006, the Babylab is overseen by researchers from the University’s School of Psychology, and its day-to-day operations are largely managed by students on Psychology courses.
It has provided a number of insights into children’s development, including a study in 2012 that showed toddlers were more receptive to regional accents they heard in setting like nurseries and playgroups, even if they were vastly different to those of their parents.
Head of the Plymouth Babylab, and Associate Head of School for Research, in the University’s School of Psychology, Professor Caroline Floccia adds:

The Plymouth Babylab is specialised in the study of early language development and over the past two decades, we have developed a range of tools to allow early years professionals from different part of the world to detect toddlers at risk of language delays – about 10 per cent of all children – in time for an early referral and intervention if needed.

Caroline FlocciaProfessor Caroline Floccia
Professor in Developmental Psychology

 
 
 
 

Ignite your curiosity

Explore our range of undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities offering flexible study pathways and professional recognition. 
Study psychology
A psychological student conducting brain research
 
BSc (Hons) Psychology with Human Biology students in a lab tracking brain activity

Discover the School of Psychology

A toddler walking into the BabyLab at University of Plymouth

Explore the Babylab

Student Ambassador talking to visitor at an open day

Visit us at an open day