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Native language might shape musical ability

A global study offers another peek at how language influences cognition

A photo of a man and a woman sharing a pair of headphones while listening to music on a handheld device.

Native speakers of tonal languages have enhanced melodic perception but at the cost of rhythm, a study suggests.

Adam Hester/Tetra images/Getty Images

By McKenzie Prillaman

- More than 2 years ago

Your mother tongue may modify your musical ability.

Speaking a native language that requires tones appears to boost perception of melody, but at the cost of rhythm, researchers report April 26 in Current Biology.