An Introduction to Language Development

The coos, babbling and smiles that characterize infant communication represent a component of language development that begins from the time your child makes her grand entrance. Parents enrich their child̵7;s language development by diversifying consistent exposure to language, sights and sounds, but continue to observe their child̵7;s progress. Monitor your child̵7;s language development for behaviors that serve as red flags for possible language delays.

  1. Critical Period for Language Development

    • The critical period or time when your child̵7;s brain readily learns language occurs from infancy to age 3, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. The critical period coincides with rapid brain growth and development for your child, and children who are not exposed to language during this time struggle to learn language. Language development is already in progress for the infant, who responds to her parent̵7;s language with babbling, cooing and movements. Parents influence language development by consistently exposing their child to language, and visual and auditory stimulation. (References 1 and 2)

    Distinguishing Between Language and Speech

    • Language refers to receiving and expressing verbal, nonverbal and written communication in a manner that is understood. Language is a system of shared rules that determines how to combine words, make new words, define words and change word combinations to fit the situation, reports the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Although routinely confused with language, speech refers to how your child uses articulation, voice and fluency to verbally express language. (References 3 and 4)

    Language Delays

    • One in five children do not learn to talk at the same time as their peers, distinguishing a language delay as the most common type of early childhood developmental delay, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Children may exhibit difficulty with receptive language, that influences how they understand others, or with expressive language, that affects how children convey thoughts, ideas and emotions. If you have concerns about the progression of your child̵7;s language development, talk to your child̵7;s pediatrician, who may refer you a speech-language pathologist. (References 4 and 5)

    Red Flags for Parents

    • Children who experience language delays benefit from early intervention that promotes academic and social success, and prevents language problems from escalating. Young children exhibit a wide range of variability in how and when they reach language milestones, but Healthy Children reports some behaviors that may serve as red flags for parents. These behaviors include reciting the alphabet and counting, but not using words to communicate needs, failing to respond to pain in a normal manner and behaving as if the child exists in a world apart from others. (References 1, 5, and 6)

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