The Development of Language classic text now in its tenth edition and now available from Plural Publishing,The Development of Languagecontinues its focus on language acquisition in an unbiased, authoritative, and comprehensive way. Written by leading experts known for their research in the areas they discuss, this book has a multidisciplinary approach, and demonstrates the relevance of typical language development to speech-language pathologists, educators, clinicians, and those in other professions. Topics include the roots of language learning in infancy, phonology, syntax/grammar, word learning, bilingualism, pragmatics, literacy, atypical language development, and more.

This book provides the reader with an authoritative text that includes important and useful concepts and research findings. Emphasis is placed on language development in children who are learning languages other than, or in addition to, English, as well as children with risk factors for language delay or disorder. The text leads the reader through every stage of development—the early months before children begin to speak, the preschool and school years, and adolescence as children achieve mastery of adult-like language skills.

Key Features

• Chapter pedagogyincludes learning objectives, visual aids, video links, summaries, and suggested projects to extend students’ understanding and application of text concepts
• Key terms are highlighted in the text with definitions provided in a Glossary
• Clear and concise writing by authors who are known for their research in the subject area and their ability to explain complex topics to a broad audience
• A multilingual and multicultural focus on acquisition in languages other than English, on non-mainstream varieties of English and on children learning two or more languages simultaneously (bilingualism), as well as children with developmental communication disorders

New to the Tenth Edition

• Restructure of chapters to streamline information
• Greater in-depth coverage of concepts that are frequently more difficult for students to master
• Updated references to new research and the current literature
• References are now at the end of each chapter
• New and updated figures and photos
• Coverage of the latest technological advances in basic research and clinical practice in child language

Review

“…The book is exemplary in its format, appropriate use of illustrative photos, easy and clear reference to the video links available through the companion website, use of summaries and project ideas… The inclusion of eFlashCards for students is a great idea…” ––Annick De Houwer, PhD, University of Erfurt (March 2023)

Contents

۱. The Development of Language: An Overview and a Preview
۲. Communication Development in Infancy
۳. Phonological Development: Learning Sounds and Sound Patterns
۴. Semantic Development: Learning the Meanings of Words
۵. Putting Words Together: Comprehension and Production of Morphology and Syntax in the Preschool Years
۶. Language in Social Contexts: Development of Communicative Competence
۷. Theoretical Approaches to Language Acquisition
۸. Variation in Language Development: Implications for Research and Theory
۹. Atypical Language Development
۱۰. Language and Literacy in the School Years
۱۱. Bilingual Language Development