The acceleration of spoken-word processing in children's native-language acquisition: An ERP cohort study

▸ We analyzed ERP responses to words from two age cohorts of primary-school children. ▸ Children tested at age 7 showed earlier onsets of congruency effects 2 years later. ▸ Children tested at age 9 did not show shortening of onset latencies 2 years later. ▸ Children's onset latencies at age 9 appeared similar to those of adults. ▸ The acceleration of spoken-word processing continues beyond age 7.