Introduction to Language Development

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, 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.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Melissa Bloomer Fichter, MA(George Washington University)
Description:This book introduces language development by presenting the basic concepts and terminology associated with the behavioral, syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic aspects of language as they develop. This second edition maintains the format of its 1998 predecessor by presenting language development in a student friendly manner.
Purpose:The purpose is to provide a textbook to teach undergraduate students in the beginning stages of their studies to focus on the essential elements of language development. Such a textbook is invaluable for students who are pursuing studies in speech and language pathology, as well as many other careers (e.g., education, child development, psychology, etc.).
Audience:According to the author, this book was written to present the essential foundational terms, concepts, theories, and observations that define our understanding of language development in a "student-friendly manner." The author is a respected educator who has been teaching this subject for nearly 15 years. He presents the foundational information in an uncomplicated manner, which allows students to apply these basic principles and processes to become better future practitioners.
Features:This book sets out essential elements to language development: biological maturation, cognitive development, linguistic patterns, behavioral principles, and social interaction. Each chapter is introduced with motor, cognitive, and social developments that set the stage for the developments in language during that period. The author includes essential terminology and definitions in the margins of each chapter, and concludes each chapter with a summary, review questions, and practice multiple-choice questions. Of particular note are the useful appendices (Major Communication Milestones and Language and Literacy Expectations by School Grade) that are both nicely formatted.
Assessment:This book presents the essential and foundational information that students must understand before pursuing further study in speech-language pathology in such a way that students are not overloaded with facts and theoretical discourse. The author presents theory as integrated into basic concepts and terminology, which varies from other language development texts that focus on theory first and foremost, and then discuss concepts and terms. This second edition is a good resource for students in the beginning stages of learning language development.

Scott F. McLaughlin, Ph.D.
NSSHLA Advisor Honors - awarded by the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, 1990.
Honors of the Association - awarded by the Oklahoma Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 1995.
UCO Presidential Partners Excellence in Teaching Award Awarded by University of Central Oklahoma, 1996.
UCO Faculty Enhancement Center—Excellence in Teaching Award, 2001-2002
Ambucs National Therapist of the Year—awarded by National Ambucs, 2002
Chairperson, Publicity and Public Relations Committee, Oklahoma Speech Language Hearing Association, 1989.
Chairperson, Ad Hoc Committee on Public School Professional Standards, Oklahoma Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 1989-90. Revised Oklahoma teacher certification standards for Oklahoma.
President Elect, Oklahoma Speech Language Hearing Association, 1989.
Editorial Consultant, Speech-Language Guidelines in Oklahoma, Okla. State Department of Education, 1990.
President, Oklahoma Speech Language Hearing Association, 1990.
Past President, Oklahoma Speech Language Hearing Association, 1991.
Chairperson, Nominations and Elections Committee, Oklahoma Speech Language Hearing Association, 1991.
Editor, Proceedings Journal of the Conference. Oklahoma Speech Language-Hearing Association, 1987 1994.
Editorial Consultant, Journal of Fluency Disorders, 1990 present.
Chairperson, Oklahoma Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. August 1998-August 2001; Chair 1999-2001.
Member, Oklahoma Senate Bill 34 Task Force on Speech-Language Pathology services in the public schools. September 1999 to December 1999.
Councilor-at-Large, Oklahoma Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2003-2004