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Recognition of mother's voice in early infancy

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Abstract

CERTAIN characteristics of the human voice at normal levels have a great influence on the neonate1, and infants 1 month old can detect fine differences in speech-like sounds2,3. This enables a selective response to take place when the child meets adults. From birth, babies will turn towards the source of a sound, and this orientation to a voice helps them to learn about faces. We have also observed that infants are more interested in their mother's face when she is talking.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bedford College, University of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4NS, UK

    M. MILLS & E. MELHUISH

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  1. M. MILLS
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  2. E. MELHUISH
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MILLS, M., MELHUISH, E. Recognition of mother's voice in early infancy. Nature 252, 123–124 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1038/252123a0

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