Speaking in Tongues

Examining anomalous claims about language and cognition

Cognition
Why You Hear What You Expect to Hear

Karen Stollznow Ph.D. on June 12, 2026

We don’t just hear speech, we actively reconstruct it. Here’s how the brain turns messy sound into meaning, and why we sometimes get it wrong.

We don’t just hear speech, we actively reconstruct it. Here’s how the brain turns messy sound into meaning, and why we sometimes get it wrong.

Child Development
Is Baby Talk Bad?

Karen Stollznow Ph.D. on May 5, 2026

“Baby talk” gets a bad rap, but it’s actually one of the most powerful tools for helping children learn language.

“Baby talk” gets a bad rap, but it’s actually one of the most powerful tools for helping children learn language.

Narcissism
When the Well Is Poisoned

Karen Stollznow Ph.D. on March 4, 2026

In this article, we explore the psychology behind poisoning the well: why narcissists use it, how it works, and what you can do to protect yourself and your reputation.

In this article, we explore the psychology behind poisoning the well: why narcissists use it, how it works, and what you can do to protect yourself and your reputation.

Education
Is It Better to Learn a Second Language as a Child or Adult?

Karen Stollznow Ph.D. on February 2, 2026

From brain development to accents, aptitude, and motivation, the real science behind language learning challenges the idea that there’s only one “right” age to start.

From brain development to accents, aptitude, and motivation, the real science behind language learning challenges the idea that there’s only one “right” age to start.

Borderline Personality Disorder
You’re My Favorite Person

Karen Stollznow Ph.D. on December 5, 2025

What does it really mean to be someone’s “favorite person”? This dynamic sheds light on the intense relationships common in borderline personality disorder.

What does it really mean to be someone’s “favorite person”? This dynamic sheds light on the intense relationships common in borderline personality disorder.

Family Dynamics
When You’re Always the One at Fault

Karen Stollznow Ph.D. on August 12, 2025

If you’ve ever felt unfairly blamed or misunderstood within your family, here's why that happens, and what you can do to heal and regain your confidence.

If you’ve ever felt unfairly blamed or misunderstood within your family, here's why that happens, and what you can do to heal and regain your confidence.

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May 2026
The Best Ways to Begin Again

The best way to begin something new—in love, work, and life.

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Tests
Self Tests
Self Tests

Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.

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