Introduction To Language Development

There are between 4,000 and 6,000 languages remaining in the world and the characteristics of these languages vary widely. How could an infant born today master any language in the world, regardless of the language’s characteristics? Shelia M. Kennison answers this question through a comprehensive introduction to language development, taking a unique perspective that spans the period before birth through old age. Introduction to Language Development offers in-depth discussions on key topics, including: the biological basis of language, perceptual development, grammatical development, development of lexical knowledge, social aspects of language, bilingualism, the effect of language on thought, cognitive processing in language production and comprehension, language-related delays and disorders, and language late in life.

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.

Introduction to Language Development represents an excellent introductory level textbook that presents the basic concepts & terminology associated with each of the behavioral, syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic aspects of developing language. The author describes each stage of language development clearly and succinctly, and presents the basic principles and data from an integrated perspective.Extremely insightful, this textbook enhances students' understanding of language development through integration of the subtle biological, cognitive, social, and behavioral dynamics that explain the development of language.TEXTBOOK

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

This book presents a range of ongoing studies on atypical language development in Romance languages. Despite the steady increase in the number of studies on typical language development, there is still little research about atypical language development, especially in Romance languages. This book covers four main conditions causing atypical language development. Part I explores the linguistic and communicative characteristics of preterm children learning Romance languages. The focus of Part II centers on children with Specific Language Impairment. Hearing Loss in Part III is another relevant factor leading to atypical language development. The final part IV zeroes in on genetic syndromes coupled to cognitive impairment with special attention to language development. This book presents a much needed overview of the most recent findings in all relevant fields dealing with atypical language development in children speaking Romance languages.

This best-selling and comprehensive text on language development is rich in information, research, examples and activities. A thorough and readable introductory text on language development, this book covers all aspects of the complex subject - including syntax, morphology, semantics, phonology, and pragmatics - while explaining each idea and concept in a way that is easily understandable by even beginning students of the field. Rich in pedagogical aids like discussion questions, chapter objectives, reflections, and main point boxed features, the eighth edition of Language Development also emphasizes culturally and linguistically diverse children and bilingual and dialectical developmental information - a discussion that accurately reflects the diversity of life and language in the United States.

Introduction to Language Development, Third Edition offers a highly accessible overview 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 ensure that students are able to easily grasp the content. Within the third 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. Key Features: * Case studies allow instructors to involve students more fully in classroom discussion, along with developing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills * Chapter learning objectives allow students to understand the scope and goals of the chapter * Study questions allow instructors to engage students in discussions of the material and ensure students grasp and retain the information * Tables and figures provide examples and evidence that elaborate and clarify the information presented * A comprehensive glossary helps students locate the definitions of key terms New to the Third Edition: * Expanded focus on diversity and the role that culture plays in language learning * Updated to reflect the increased impact of technology in literacy and learning * Improved readability through the introduction of terminology, concepts, and practical strategies that will be encountered in chapters that follow * The inclusion of new terminology that reflects patient-centric language and updated terms that respect diversity of individuals served by speech-language pathologists and audiologists 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.

Language Development: Understanding Language Diversity in the Classroom offers comprehensive coverage of the language development process for pre- and in-service teachers while emphasizing the factors that further academic success in the classroom, including literacy skills, phonological awareness, and narrative. With chapters written by respected specialists in various fields, this interdisciplinary text illuminates the impact of language development on learning success and distinguishes between language differences and disorders, integrating illustrative case studies as well as helpful classroom strategies that teachers can implement right away.