Infant Brain and Language Development

The Brain and Language: How Our Brains Communicate

When is it easiest to learn a language, you might ask? The answer is, when you are a baby! The reason for this is that before babies are born they are developing language and learning the sounds of the voices that surround them. As soon as they are born, their parents play a huge role in the constant speaking they do towards their child. As we grow up, the connections in our brains that relate to language get stronger. It allows older individuals to use their language more efficiently. The development of our brain from an infant to an adult plays a huge role in how our speech grows.

Foundation of Language Growth

Different regions of your brain play specific roles in processing language. Broca's Area is like the director of speech production, while Wernicke's Area decodes the meaning of words and sentences. The Temporal Lobe helps process sound information, and the Frontal Lobe oversees decision-making. When you hear or read something, it is processed by the Temporal Lobe, decoded by the Wernicke's Area. The Frontal Lobe goes on to decide how to respond while the Broca's Area then forms words and sentences. "The nerve fibers in the brain change throughout our lives, becoming more powerful in their ability to transmit information" (Brauer 1). These regions grow more and more everyday and are like a team in your brain, helping us use our speech effectively.

To Learn More: Speech & Language

Early Language Development

Babies start their language journey by learning basic communication skills, like making sounds and gestures to express their needs and emotions. "Babies are actually born knowing the sound and melody of their mother tongue – and they can already “speak” by following the melodic pattern of the language. Of course, this “speaking” does not involve words, and the sound made by newborn babies is often that of crying" (Brauer 4). As they grow, infants are exposed to advanced language more and more, both through listening to others speak and by trying to mimic the sounds they hear. This exposure helps them gradually start with simple words and eventually build up to more complex sentences and concepts. It's a fascinating process of learning and exploration that lays the foundation for their ability to communicate effectively throughout their lives.

To Learn More: Language Development 3-12 Months

Thanks for reading!