A study in Germany looked at the cries of French and German babies in their first five days of life, and found the French babies tended to start low and then raise in pitch, while the German babies started higher before dropping their pitch.

Using computer software to analyse the cries, researchers saw a distinct Gallic twang in French newborns, while German little ones had a Teutonic tone. Researchers also believe there could be regional accents in newborns from different parts of the country.

The results suggest babies are able to pick up their parents’ accents while still growing in the womb, a skill previously only found in cows and birds.

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