reporters and early syntax

[Chris Sinha]

Daily Herald, 6 January 1999.

Cry Babies Allergic To Syntax, Scientists Say

By Our Science Correspondent

Babies who cry a lot, refuse food and have irregular sleep patterns
may be allergic to syntax. Dr. Nichola A. Tive and her colleagues at
the University of Watford Junction think they have found a link
between the language gene and disturbances of development in early
infancy. "Normally developing babies are very sensitive to patterns
and rules in grammar, and we know this is genetic", says Dr. Tive.
"But it doesn't seem to be specific to language. Some babies have a
defect in the language gene and not just syntax but patterns of all
sorts are difficult to detect, so many kinds of biological rhythms
become confused and disturbed. It's as if these babies are allergic
to syntax."

Dr. Tive says this is the first time that anyone has made a genetic
link between crying and syntax. She emphasises, though, that parents
should not be unduly alarmed. "Most babies who cry develop syntax
perfectly normally", she points out. But her discoveries hold out
hopes for the small minority of syntax-allergic babies. "Genetic
screening and counselling will help parents-to-be, and maybe we can
look forward to treatments based on genetic engineering in the
future", she claims. If so, the parents of the next millenium can also
look forward to more tranquil nights.

(Our sub-editor adds: unless they live in Baghdad).

(passed on by Chris Sinha)