For both sexes, maternal education plays a positive role, and the first-born child understands language earlier than siblings.

These are the main findings of a new sub-study from the Norwegian Mother and  Child Cohort Study (MoBa): first-born girls of mothers with the highest education had the highest level of comprehension at both 18 and 36 months first-born boys of mothers with the highest education showed the greatest increase in the level of language comprehension from 18 to 36 months having a mother with the highest education led to a greater increase in comprehension level during this period for boys than for girls. The study included 45 000 children born

before February 2006. The questionnaires sent to participating families included standard questions about child development, communication with and without words, plus language comprehension. Comprehension was defined as the ability to understand communication both with and without words.

The difference between the sexes was striking: Boys of mothers with the highest education had lower comprehension than girls of mothers with the lowest education. Children of mothers with lower education had generally less developed language comprehension at 18 months, and the differences increased up to three years of age.
Level of education was more important than birth sequence among siblings. Children with one or more older siblings were slower in language development than the first child at 18 months of age, but the difference decreased slightly up to three years of age.

The article is part of a doctoral thesis from Imac Maria Zambrana at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.
Reference

J Dev Behav Pediatr 2012: Impact of Gender, Maternal Education, and Birth Order on the Development of Language Comprehension: A Longitudinal Study from 18 to 36 Months of Age.

Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 4404 Nydalen, N-0403 Oslo

http://www.healthcanal.com/mental-health-behavior/27099-Girls-have-better-language-comprehension-than-boys.html

Girls have better language comprehension than boys by Imac Zambrana

I wonder if there is any correllation to the the fact that interpretation cabins are occupied much more by women than by men? Whether you look in to the Greek, French, German, English or other language booth, the minority are men. Interpretation in Paris, Berlin, Bruxelles, London, Geneva, Florida, or any other city I interpreted during a conference meeting or a deposition, to my recollection, there were almost no exception to this gender ratio.

Elef

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2014 Courts lack interpreters in Singapour

Some lower courts in the country do not have enough interpreters, Corazon Luntayao, president of PACI the Philippine Association of Court Interpreters, said yesterday.

Luntayao, who was in Bacolod for the three-day national convention and seminars of PPACI members that started yesterday, said there are only about 2,000 court interpreters nationwide, or one interpreter for every court.

The ideal ratio should be two interpreters for every court so that if the other interpreter is not available, or is absent, it will not affect the scheduled hearing.

Luntayao said their role is very vital in every hearing because they serve as interpreters if the one sitting on the witness stand cannot speak English, the language used in Philippine courts.

Despite having a vital role in the judiciary, court interpreters are among those not properly compensated.

A new court interpreter usually receives P17,500 basic salary which is not sufficient, especially for those living in the National Capital Region and neighboring provinces where the cost of living is higher.

During the three-day seminar court interpreters will be taught how to handle child witnesses, stress management, and financial capabilities, among others.

Meanwhile, PPACI is encouraging those who would like to join their ranks to apply.

source  www dot visayandailystar dot com / 2014 / April / 29 / topstory4 dot htm