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New podcast shares Newcastle University research on early communication
25 June 2026
School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences Emeritus Professor Paul Seedhouse recently appeared on UK charity Babyzone’s Best Beginnings podcast.
Paul shared his research on early communication and how human talk emerges.
The episode is ‘The Interaction Engine: How Babies Communicate Before Language’. It showcased Professor Seedhouse's decades of research in human spoken interaction to parents, caregivers and early years practitioners.
It also provided an accessible introduction to his work on the ‘interaction engine’. This is the system of non-verbal communication that underpins children’s ability to develop language.
A mother reads to her baby during a session at Babyzone Grimsby
Image credit: Babyzone
Understanding the development of pre-verbal communication
Through gaze, touch, gesture, turn-taking and facial expression, babies are able to communicate before they have any words.
Paul’s research shows that these early interactions are not simply a precursor to language, but a fundamental foundation for it. That is with the two separate systems learning to work together over time.
“What our research shows is that communication begins long before children speak their first words,” said Paul.
“Understanding the systematic nature of these early interactions can make a real difference, helping parents and practitioners recognise that everyday exchanges and turn-taking are a pre-requisite for a child to develop language.”
“[the podcast] enables us to connect with parents, practitioners and policymakers, highlighting the importance of understanding and investing in the years before language, which have historically received far less attention than language itself.”
When asked, “Do you want chocolate, or melon?”, he consistently chooses whichever option is mentioned last. As Paul explains, this is the interaction engine at work - the child understands that a response is expected, even if he has not yet grasped that he is being asked to choose between two options.
“Taking part in the podcast was a valuable opportunity to share this research with a wider audience,” Paul added. “It enables us to connect with parents, practitioners and policymakers, highlighting the importance of understanding and investing in the years before language, which have historically received far less attention than language itself.”
Sharing language and communication research beyond the University
The Best Beginnings podcast brings together leading researchers, practitioners and policymakers. Together they explore the evidence, ideas and innovations shaping how young children and families are supported.
Paul’s episode demonstrates how ECLS research extends beyond academia, helping to inform conversations around early childhood development and making a tangible difference to people’s lives.
You can listen to the podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts