Predicting the future in rhythm and language: The anticipation skills of a group of Italian-speaking children

In this study we investigated the relation between anticipatory abilities in language and in music in a group of ten Italian-speaking children (4-6 years). Anticipation abilities in language were investigated through a clitic processing task (CPT), anticipation abilities in music were investigated through a rhythmic tapping task (warning-imperative task - WIT). In the CPT children heard gender-marked object clitics (in right-dislocated structures) which provided information on a following noun requiring a picture selection response. In the WIT children heard rhythmic sequences of sounds and were required to tap in time with an imperative sound following a warning sound. Results suggest a correlation between the anticipation abilities shown by children in language and in music, indicating a possible relation between the structural input integration processes used in the two domains.