How infants learn language through patterns in speech

Statistical Learning in Infant Language Acquisition

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · NIH-11124599

This study is exploring how babies learn to talk by noticing patterns in the sounds they hear, and it aims to help us understand how they pick up language skills during their early years.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MADISON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11124599 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how infants acquire language by detecting patterns in the speech they hear. It focuses on how infants use statistical regularities in language input to make predictions about what they will hear next, which helps them learn more effectively. The study will involve experiments that manipulate these statistical patterns to observe their effects on infants' real-time language processing and learning behaviors. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to enhance our knowledge of language development in early childhood.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants and young children, particularly those aged 0-11 years, who are in the process of acquiring language skills.

Not a fit: Patients who are adults or those who have already developed language skills may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for supporting language acquisition in infants, particularly those at risk for language delays.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding statistical learning can significantly impact language acquisition, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

MADISON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: autism spectral disorder, autism spectrum disorder, Autistic Disorder, autistic spectrum disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.