The Development of Communication: From Social Interaction to Language

Provides an idea of various traditions and areas of study impinging on the development of communication from birth to about three years. Stresses the importance of social processes in communication development. Outlines diverse theoretical positions by important authorities in the field. Examines how children identify the referent of adult speech and the features of interaction associated with the acquisition of larger vocabularies by two-year olds. Discusses issues pertaining to the use of one-word speech, lexical development, definitions of language, effect of the modifications of adults' speech on language acquisition and communication development in children with disabilities.