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 in undergraduate and graduate-level courses in 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. Key features: Each chapter begins with an illustrative vignette and learning objectives to support students' understanding of the main points. Within the chapters, tables and figures provide examples and features that elaborate and clarify the information presented. Study questions appear at the end of each chapter to assure students grasp and retain the information presented in the text and classroom lectures. A comprehensive glossary of key words in each chapter helps students locate the definitions of key terms. An Introduction to Language Development Workbook is also available to help reinforce student comprehension of the material in the textbook.