[DSRP Evidence](https://dsrpevidence.org/)

# Learning-induced neural plasticity of speech processing before birth

## Details

**Authors** Partanen et al.

**Year** 2013

**Publisher** Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

**Discipline** Human Development

[Read it at the publisher](https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1302159110) 
10.1073/pnas.1302159110

## In authors' words

### Abstract

Significance Learning, the foundation of adaptive and intelligent behavior, is based on changes in neural assemblies and reflected by the modulation of electric brain responses. In infancy, long-term memory traces are formed by auditory learning, improving discrimination skills, in particular those relevant for speech perception and understanding. Here we show direct neural evidence that neural memory traces are formed by auditory learning prior to birth. Our findings indicate that prenatal experiences have a remarkable influence on the brain’s auditory discrimination accuracy, which may support, for example, language acquisition during infancy. Consequently, our results also imply that it might be possible to support early auditory development and potentially compensate for difficulties of genetic nature, such as language impairment or dyslexia.

### What they set out to do (purpose)

Studying learning in utero

### What they found (results)

Infants Distinguished a series of nonsense words they heard in the womb.

## Commentary

### In short

Distinction-making as a process occurs in utero.

### In more detail

Partanen et al. utilized EEG technology to access fetal memories within infants. They gave expectant mothers a recording to play to their fetuses multiple times a week. The recording was a loop of a made-up word ("tatata"). At birth, the infants had heard the made-up word over 25,000 times. Amazingly, when the infants were tested at birth and at 4 months of age, they neurologically Distinguished the word. Fetuses can form Distinctions and they can remember and utilize those Distinctions to eventually learn language. DSRP is fundamental to learning. While fetuses are in utero, they are developing the ability to make Distinctions, Systems, Relationships, and Perspectives, which sets them up for a lifetime of learning.

**Patterns it shows** D

**How to cite this** Partanen et al. (2013). Learning-induced neural plasticity of speech processing before birth. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.