Preverbal infants produce more protophones with artificial objects compared to natural objects.

ABSTRACT: Protophones are considered to be precursors of speech. These vocalizations have been notably discussed in relation to toys and their importance for developing language skills. However, little is known about how natural objects, compared to artificial objects, may affect protophone production, an approach that could additionally help reconstruct how language evolved. In the current study, we examined protophone production in 58 infants (4-18 months) while interacting with their caregivers when using natural objects, household items, and toys. The infants were recorded in their home environment, in a rural area in Zambia. The results showed that the infants produced significantly fewer protophones when using natural objects than when using household items or toys. Importantly, this pattern w

SUBMITTER: Gibson V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10282070 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature