Decoding the Nonverbal Language of Babies
Event Summary
On Friday, October 19, AEI hosted an event examining the importance of nonverbal interactions between mothers and infants. Following an introduction by AEI’s Katharine B. Stevens and First 5 California’s George Halvorson, Beatrice Beebe of Columbia University shared her pioneering research that uses video microanalysis to observe and analyze mother-infant nonverbal interactions.
Following Dr. Beebe’s presentation, which included several examples of video microanalysis from her research, Dr. Beebe and Dr. Stevens sat down to discuss the research and its implications for policy. Overall, Dr. Beebe emphasized that the nature of communication in infancy sets the foundation for development throughout the life span. Based on her research, Dr. Beebe believes that we need “a dramatic shift in the way we, as adults and as a culture, view infants.”
Event Description
Babies begin life as social creatures. By four months, they are highly communicative, perceiving and responding to even tiny, rapid shifts in caregivers’ verbal tone, facial expression, and movement. Using video microanalysis of four-month-old infants playing face-to-face with their mothers, researcher Beatrice Beebe has documented the surprisingly complex, nuanced nature of these earliest interactions, illuminating their powerful role in young children’s development.
Please join AEI for Dr. Beebe’s presentation on her pioneering research, followed by a discussion with AEI’s Katharine B. Stevens.
AGENDA
9:45 AM
Registration
10:00 AM
Welcome:
Katharine B. Stevens, AEI
10:05 AM
Introduction:
George Halvorson, First 5 California
10:15 AM
Presentation:
Beatrice Beebe, Columbia University
10:45 AM
Conversation:
Beatrice Beebe, Columbia University
Katharine B. Stevens, AEI
11:05 AM
Q&A
11:15 AM
Adjournment
See Also
Blog ~ October 15, 2018
Blog ~ June 19, 2019
Video ~ March 22, 2019