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Free keywords:
Brain maturation; Electrophysiology; Grammar; Hemispheric specialization; Infant development; Language acquisition; Lexicon; Nature vs nurture; Neuroimaging; Rule learning; Speech perception; Statistical learning; Word learning
Abstract:
Language, an elaborate system of discrete units and combinatorial rules, builds on complex neurocognitive foundations. Language development results from both maturation and learning. Specifically, learning mechanisms are implemented in brain networks that are still in the process of structurally and functionally maturing during the first year of life, which is the focus of this review. We will first sketch basic language-learning skills that provide the biologically grounded foundation of language development and expound their neural implementation. Subsequently, we will outline neural maturation in language-relevant brain areas and how this might relate to the way language development proceeds.