English learners prioritise sounds over grammar
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Researchers from University College London and Tohoku University, Japan, investigated how people learn new languages.
They studied Japanese learners of English and discovered that successful learners treated unfamiliar English words like any other sound at first. These learners relied less on the brain networks they used for their native Japanese language. The study built on earlier work by developmental psychologist Janet F Werker, who found that babies begin acquiring language while still in the womb by processing sounds.
Werker’s research showed that a child’s ability to listen is crucial for developing language skills. The researchers suggest these findings offer a broader lesson for communication. They argue that people should prioritise listening to others without immediate judgment to better understand different perspectives, and that making space for other voices allows comprehension to develop.
