Infant language learning gene discovered

edinburgh University scientists have made a key genetic discovery that could help explain how people learn language.

The researchers have found a gene - called ROBO1 - linked to the mechanism in the brain that helps children develop speech.

They say identifying the gene could help explain how some aspects of language learning in children are influenced by genetic traits rather than educational factors.

The scientists conducted a five-year study, assessing the language learning techniques of 538 families with up to five children.

The team believes the gene discovery may help in the understanding of speech disorders, dyslexia and short-term memory problems affecting as many as one in ten children in the UK.

Professor Timothy Bates, of the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, said: "The infant language acquisition system is quintessentially human and yet is a complex system.

"The discovery helps to understand how speech sounds can be stored long enough to be integrated with meaning."