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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Children Can Count Without Numbers

Study suggests that kids have innate math abilities

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(Newser) – A study sure to fan a fiery disagreement among developmental psychologists has found that children can count objects even if their language lacks words for the numbers involved. Researchers found that Australian Aboriginal children, who know words for only a few small numbers, did just as well as English-speaking children on counting tasks, Wired reports.

Previous studies had suggested that children growing up in societies that don't use counting words had problems developing number skills. "We're born with the ability to see the world numerically just as we're born to see the world in color," said the study's lead scientist.

Some studies have found that children who have no words for numbers are not able to perform mathematical tasks, but a new study contradicts those findings.
Some studies have found that children who have no words for numbers are not able to perform mathematical tasks, but a new study contradicts those findings.   (Flickr)
A young Aboriginal girl waits with family in Canberra, Australia, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008.
A young Aboriginal girl waits with family in Canberra, Australia, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008.   (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
Even children without words for higher numbers could reproduce arrays of small objects, and perform more complex manipulations of them.
Even children without words for higher numbers could reproduce arrays of small objects, and perform more complex manipulations of them.   (Flickr)
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