Focusing on sound over meaning helps language learners master new languages
Science & Health

Focusing on sound over meaning helps language learners master new languages

1 hour ago · Originally published 13 Oct 2026 7/10 Original headline: Stop making sense: focus on sounds to help learn a language, study suggests
Researchers at UCL and Tohoku University have found that the most successful language learners process foreign speech sounds as raw audio rather than trying to fit them into their native language's structure. By prioritising auditory precision over rote vocabulary, these learners bypass traditional linguistic hurdles, offering a more effective approach for those tackling complex new languages.
Source: Guardian Science National
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