An Introduction To Child Language Development

This volume introduces the field of child language development studies, and presents hypotheses in an accessible, largely non-technical language, aiming to demonstrate the relationship between these hypotheses and interpretations of data. It makes the assumption that having a theory of language development is as important as having reliable data about what children say and understand, and it advocates a combination of both `rationalist' and more 'empiricist' traditions. In fact, the author overtly argues that different traditions provide different pieces of the picture, and that taking any single approach is unlikely to lead to productive understanding. Susan Foster-Cohen explores a range of issues, including the nature of prelinguistic communication and its possible relationship to linguistic development; early stages of language development and how they can be viewed in the light of later developments; the nature and role of children's experience with the language(s) around them; variations in language development due to both pathological and non-pathological differences between children, and (in the latter case) between the languages they learn; later oral language development; and literacy. The approach is distinctly psycholinguistic and linguistic rather than sociolinguistic, although there is significant treatment of issues which intersect with more sociolinguistic concerns (e.g. literacy, language play, and bilingualism). There are exercises and discussion questions throughout, designed to reinforce the ideas being presented, as well as to offer the student the opportunity to think beyond the text to ideas at the cutting edge of research. The accessible presentation of key issues will appeal to the intended undergraduate readership, and will be of interest to those taking courses in language development, linguistics, developmental psychology, educational linguistics, and speech pathology. The book will also serve as a useful introduction to students wishing to pursue post-graduate courses which deal with child language development.

This volume introduces the field of child language development studies, and presents hypotheses in an accessible, largely non-technical language, aiming to demonstrate the relationship between these hypotheses and interpretations of data. It makes the assumption that having a theory of language development is as important as having reliable data about what children say and understand, and it advocates a combination of both `rationalist' and more 'empiricist' traditions. In fact, the author overtly argues that different traditions provide different pieces of the picture, and that taking any single approach is unlikely to lead to productive understanding. Susan Foster-Cohen explores a range of issues, including the nature of prelinguistic communication and its possible relationship to linguistic development; early stages of language development and how they can be viewed in the light of later developments; the nature and role of children's experience with the language(s) around them; variations in language development due to both pathological and non-pathological differences between children, and (in the latter case) between the languages they learn; later oral language development; and literacy. The approach is distinctly psycholinguistic and linguistic rather than sociolinguistic, although there is significant treatment of issues which intersect with more sociolinguistic concerns (e.g. literacy, language play, and bilingualism). There are exercises and discussion questions throughout, designed to reinforce the ideas being presented, as well as to offer the student the opportunity to think beyond the text to ideas at the cutting edge of research. The accessible presentation of key issues will appeal to the intended undergraduate readership, and will be of interest to those taking courses in language development, linguistics, developmental psychology, educational linguistics, and speech pathology. The book will also serve as a useful introduction to students wishing to pursue post-graduate courses which deal with child language development.

"The focus of this book continues to be about children who do not acquire language normally. It is intended both for students who are learning about children's language disorders in order to help the children and for professionals wanting to update their knowledge in order to serve the children better. Language is the most powerful and important human ability. It affects educational achievement, relationships, and entire lives. Children with language disorders do not have easy access to this ability and are a severe disadvantage. They struggle with learning and with human interactions.; a language disorder alters a child's relationships with caregivers, undermines academic success, disturbs interpersonal relationships, limits vocational potential, and isolates the child from mainstream society."--Préface.

Clearly written, well organized, and comprehensive, "Language Development" is the most widely used text in its field. In recognition of the tremendous language variations among children, the sixth edition of this highly readable text devotes significant space to individual developmental differences and cultural differences. Developed within a practical chronological framework, this new edition examines every aspect of syntax, morphology, semantics, phonology, and pragmatics. Highlights of the Sixth Edition Chapter 3, " Child Development, " has been streamlined to include only the child development information most relevant to speech and language development. Updates to Chapter 4, " Neurolinguistics, " include the latest in brain imaging information to convey key links between anatomy, physiology, cognition, and language, and the roles these links play in the development of language abnormalities. Chapter 5, " Cognitive and Perceptual Bases of Early Language, " has been totally rewritten to reflect our rapidly changing knowledge of cognitive development and the newest research in brain imaging. The new edition includes increased coverage of literacy development, cultural and linguistic difference and sensation, perception and cognition relative to language processing. Don't Miss These Special Value Pack Options Research Navigator(TM) "Research Navigator(TM) " can be a student's best friend when facing a large research project. Especially helpful with the toughest challenge-- getting started-- "Research Navigator(TM) "offers a comprehensive, step-by-step walk-throughof the research process, along with access to some of the most respected source databases available. Access to "Research Navigator(TM) "-- a $15 value-- is FREE when packaged with any new Communication Sciences and Disorders textbook! Visit http: //www.researchnavigator.com today to purchase immediate access. Allyn & Bacon's Career Center Do your students need help transitioning from being a student to becoming a professional? With "The Career Center," registered students receive eight 30-minute career-counseling sessions with a qualified career specialist. "The Career Center"-- a $25 value-- is FREE when packaged with any Communication Sciences and Disorders textbook. Visit http: //www.ablongman.com/careercenter/ for more information. Contact your local Allyn & Bacon publisher's representative and request special packaging codes to take advantage of these great offers.

An introduction to language acquisition / Sandra Levey -- An introduction to the theories of language development / Sandra Levey -- The brain and cognitive, speech, and language development / Denise Cruz and Sandra Levey -- Infant and toddler language development / Sandra Levey -- Preschool language development / Diana Almodovar and Sandra Levey -- Language development in middle and late childhood and adolescence / Maria R. Brea-Spahn and Sandra Levey -- The development of literacy skills / Sylvia F. Diehl -- Bilingual children's language development : assessment and intervention / Brian A. Goldstein -- Language development and hearing / Brian J. Fligor and Sandra Levey

Taking an accessible and cross-linguistic approach, Understanding Child Language Acquisition introduces readers to the most important research on child language acquisition over the last fifty years, as well as to some of the most influential theories in the field. Rather than just describing what children can do at different ages Rowland explains why these research findings are important and what they tell us about how children acquire language. Key features include: Cross-linguistic analysis of how language acquisition differs between languages A chapter on how multilingual children acquire several languages at once Exercises to test comprehension Chapters organised around key questions that summarise the critical issues posed by researchers in the field, with summaries at the end Further reading suggestions to broaden understanding of the subject With its particular focus on outlining key similarities and differences across languages and what this cross-linguistic variation means for our ideas about language acquisition, Understanding Child Language Acquisition forms a comprehensive introduction to the subject for students of linguistics, psychology and speech and language therapy. Students and instructors will benefit from the comprehensive companion website that includes a students’ section featuring interactive comprehension exercises, extension activities, chapter recaps and answers to the exercises within the book. Material for instructors includes sample essay questions, answers to the extension activities for students and a Powerpoint including all the figures from the book. www.routledge.com/cw/rowland

Introduction to Language Development, Second Edition offers a highly accessible introduction to the complexities of language development. The textbook is designed for use in language acquisition courses in undergraduate and graduate speech-language pathology programs to facilitate both teaching and learning. Complex terminology and theories are explained through definitions and examples to assure that students are able to grasp the content. Within the second edition of this text, students are presented with language factors -- syntax, semantics, phonology, morphology, and pragmatics -- as well as the cognitive abilities that underlie language development. Multilingual and multicultural differences are explored throughout. Other highlights include: Within each chapter, case studies, chapter objectives, and study questions are provided to support students' understanding of the main pointsCase studies allow instructors to involve students more fully in classroom discussion, along with developing their critical thinking and problem solving skillsChapter objectives allow students to understand the scope and goals of the chapterStudy questions allow instructors to engage students in discussions of the material and assure students grasp and retain the informationTables and figures provide examples and evidence that elaborate and clarify the information presentedA comprehensive glossary of key words in each chapter helps students locate the definitions of key terms New to this edition: Updated to reflect current research throughoutExpanded focus on evidence-based practiceImproved readability through the use of boxes, explanations, and definitionsA greater number of figures and tables for deeper comprehension Disclaimer: Please note that ancillary content (such as documents, audio, and video, etc.) may not be included as published in the original print version of this book.

This is the best book on the market for taking students from ‘how children acquire their first language’ to the point where they can engage with key debates and current research in the field of child language. No background knowledge of linguistic theory is assumed and all specialist terms are introduced in clear, non-technical language. It is rare in its balanced presentation of evidence from both sides of the nature–nurture divide and its ability to make this complicated topic engaging and understandable to everyone. This edition includes Exercises to foster an understanding of key concepts in language and linguistics A glossary of key terms so students can always check back on the more difficult terms Suggestions for further reading including fascinating TED Talks that bring the subject to life Access to Multiple Choice Quizzes and other online resources so students can check they′ve understood what they have just read