'There are developmental advantages associated with baby talk'
The issue of whether baby talk plays a role in language development has been debated for years.
The more recent study contradicts one released three years ago by Japanese scientists that suggested baby talk hinders an infant's development.
These researchers encouraged parents to address their children normally rather than speaking slowly in a sing-song voice.
Yet, Dr Mitsuhiko Ota, from Edinburgh University, argued any harm is likely only short term and is outweighed in the long run.
He said: 'Taken together, these findings lend further support to the general idea that there are developmental advantages associated with the characteristics frequently found in the unique vocabulary of baby talk.
'The current study suggests language further accommodates the infant learner by introducing items that are not part and parcel of the adult system.
'Even though words such as "choo-choo" and "bunny" appear superfluous, they may play an important role in bootstrapping the development of the vocabulary as a whole.'
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Source : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-6015091/Baby-talk-speeds-infants-learning-expanding-vocabulary-boosting-memory.html
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