Introduction To Language Development

Introduction to Language Development provides an up-to-date yet comprehensible introduction to the complexity of language development. The textbook is designed for use in language acquisition courses, undergraduate and graduate-level courses, and speech-language pathology programs. The primary components of language development (morphology, phonology, semantics, syntax, pragmatics, literacy development, and multicultural and multilinguistic differences) are presented in an uncomplicated manner, along with examples that illustrate children's speech and language behaviors. -- from back cover.

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.

Introduction to Language Development, 2nd Edition, provides the essential terms, concepts, theories, and observations that define our understanding of language development. This text integrates the foundational elements of language development including biological maturation, cognitive development, linguistic patterns, behavioral principles, and social interaction in a readable, engaging way. Clear, concise, and reader-friendly, this text provides an excellent introduction to language development throughout the lifespan.

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

"There is no single way in which children learn to communicate. Each child follows an individual developmental pattern just as you did. Still, it is possible to describe a pattern of general communication development and of English specifically. This text attempts such descriptions and generalizations but emphasizes individual patterns, too"--

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.

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.