Language Learning Lab

The Language Learning Lab is a developmental research laboratory in the Department of Psychology
at Stanford University, directed by Dr. Anne Fernald.

Our research focuses on the origins of communication and language in infancy and early childhood. Using the "looking-while-listening" procedure, we are discovering how young children develop competence in understanding spoken language during their first years of life. Our studies involve children who are learning English or Spanish as a first language, as well as children learning both English and Spanish at the same time. Our recent work explores how caregivers can support language learning through positive interactions with their young children. We also are working with children learning American Sign Language (ASL) and children born preterm.