Babies find it easier to learn words with repetitive syllables rather than mixed sounds, a study from University of Edinburgh suggests.

Assessments of language learning in 18-month-olds found that children seem to be better at grasping the names of objects with repeated syllables, compared to words with non-identical syllables.

Researchers say the study may help explain why some words or phrases, such as ‘train’ and ‘good night’, have morphed into words with repeated syllables, like choo-choo and night-night. Also why so many babies first words are Mama or Dada.

Such words, the researchers say, are easier for infants to learn, and may provide them with a starter point for vocabulary learning.

Repetition Bias



The research team assessed the infants' language learning behavior in a battery of visual and attention tests using pictures on a computer screen of two unfamiliar objects.

The two objects were named with made-up words which were communicated to the infants by a recorded voice.  One had two identical syllables, for example neenee, and the other without repeated syllables, such as bolay.


Researchers validated their results with a control test, in which the infants responded to pictures of familiar objects – such as a dog or an apple.


Mitsuhiko Ota, Barbora Skarabela Reduplicated Words Are Easier to Learn Language Learning and Development, 2016; 1 DOI: 10.1080/15475441.2016.1165100

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