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SECTION–D
7. When does Language Learning begin?
Ans: When Does Language Learning Begin?
Language learning is one of the most fascinating and complex aspects of human
development. It is closely connected with thinking, social interaction, culture, and identity. A
long-standing question in linguistics, psychology, and education is: When does language
learning actually begin? Many people assume that language learning starts when a child
begins to speak words like “mama” or “papa.” However, modern research clearly shows that
language learning begins much earlier, even before birth, and continues throughout a
person’s life.
This answer explains the beginning of language learning in a clear, simple, and systematic
way, covering the prenatal stage, infancy, early childhood, and the idea of lifelong
language learning.
1. Language Learning Begins Before Birth
One of the most important discoveries of recent decades is that language learning starts in
the womb, during the prenatal stage. Scientific studies show that by around the sixth or
seventh month of pregnancy, a fetus can hear sounds from outside the mother’s body.
Although the sounds are muffled, the unborn baby can clearly hear:
• The mother’s voice
• The rhythm and melody of speech
• Patterns of intonation
At this stage, the fetus does not understand words or meanings, but it becomes familiar
with the sound patterns of the mother’s language. Research has shown that newborn
babies prefer listening to their mother’s voice rather than unfamiliar voices. They also show
preference for the language they heard before birth over foreign languages.
This proves that language learning begins before birth, at least at the level of listening and
sound recognition. The brain starts forming connections related to language even before
the child enters the world.
2. Language Learning in Infancy (0–2 Years)
After birth, language learning becomes more active and visible. The period from birth to two
years is often called the foundation stage of language development.
(a) Listening and Recognition (0–6 Months)