Alejandrina Cristia and Camila Scaff explore the fascinating world of language acquisition in children. Cristia, a CNRS research director, dives into the complexities of speech and language understanding, while Scaff examines the impact of socioeconomic factors on language development. They discuss the significance of a child's first words and the transition from maternal to peer influence in language learning. Their insights reveal how cultural variations shape linguistic milestones and the importance of early language development in predicting future success.