The fact that infants are better than adults at discriminating unfamiliar speech sounds implies that

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As we develop and learn our native language, we become less sensitive to unfamiliar speech sounds. This is likely due to the pruning of neural connections that are not necessary for processing our native language. Therefore, the ability to discriminate unfamiliar speech sounds is lost or diminished. Infants, however, have not yet undergone this pruning process and therefore have a better ability to discriminate unfamiliar speech sounds. This does not necessarily mean they are more intelligent or have an innate ability to detect danger. Motivation is also not a factor in this specific skill.

The Fact That Infants Are Better Than Adults at Discriminating