Reena is 2 months old. Sam is 6 months old. Trish is 14 months old. Which of the following alternatives is most likely TRUE regarding these infants' ability to distinguish between phonemes that are not specific to their own language?
A) All these infants can distinguish between phonemes that are not specific to their own language.
B) None of these infants can distinguish between phonemes that are not specific to their own language.
C) Only Reena can distinguish between phonemes that are not specific to her own language.
D) Only Reena and Sam can distinguish between phonemes that are not specific to their own language.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Research has shown that infants between the ages of 6-12 months can distinguish between phonemes that are not specific to their own language. Therefore, both Sam and Reena can make this distinction. However, by 14 months, infants' ability to distinguish between non-native phonemes begins to decline, so Trish may no longer have this ability. Therefore, option D - only Reena and Sam can distinguish between phonemes that are not specific to their own language - is the most likely to be true. Option A is incorrect because it includes Trish, who may not have this ability. Option B is incorrect because research has shown that infants in this age range can make this distinction. Option C is also incorrect because Sam is also likely to have this ability.

Reena Is 2 Months Old