In the Communication Lab, researchers explore how infants begin to learn language and understand its use in the world around them. From the time they are born, babies pay close attention to human speech; we ask what makes speech a special sound for babies, and what they come into the world knowing about the source of speech and its communicative function.

In a typical study, your child will sit in your lap and listen to different sounds. We might also show pictures on a screen or actors performing in a short play. The amount of time babies spend looking at a display or event can tell us a lot about what they prefer to hear or see, and whether they are surprised by something. Our studies usually take about 10 minutes and both parents and babies find them enjoyable and interesting.