Born to Talk: An Introduction to Speech and Language Development, 4th Edition

Now in its Fourth Edition, Born to Talk: An Introduction to Speech and Language Development traces development through real time with attention to how the various components of language are integrated in a single child's journey to adult language.

 

Suitable for majors and non-majors, undergraduate and graduate students alike, this text provides a comprehensive view of speech and language development written in a reader-friendly manner. In addition to a real-time presentation of speech and language development, the book contains information on theories of language development, cognitive development, the anatomy and physiology of speech, language diversity, and communication disorders. It also includes revised sections on African American English, Hispanic English, cultural diversity in the public schools, adolescent and adult language, and a much expanded section on fluency disorders.

 

The Fourth Edition features a new and unique chapter on bilingualism.  It has been updated throughout with to reflect current research and topics, such as Asian English. To improve the organization, Ch 10 is condensed and information on anatomy and physiology has been moved to the Appendix.  Four new tables are added to visually supplement the text.

All Chapters end with “Review Questions and ” “References and Suggested Readings.”

1. A Connection of Brains.

2. Language Acquisition: A Theoretical Journey.

3. Cognitive Development—Building a Foundation for Language.

4. In the Beginning—Communication Development from Birth to Two Years.

5. The Saga Continues—Language Development Through the Preschool Years.

6. Taking Language to School and Into Adulthood.

7. The Building Blocks of Speech.

8. Language Diversity—Regional, Social/Cultural, and Gender Differences.

9. One Tongue–Two or More Languages.

        The Changing Face of America.

        What Does it Mean to be Bilingual?

        Bilingual Development—Different Views, Different Terminology.

        Cognition and Language Development in Bilingualism.

        Learning a Second Language—The Optimal Age.

        A Closer Look at Simultaneous Bilingualism.

        A Closer Look at Successive or Sequential Bilingualism.

        Stages of Language Development in Bilingual Children.

        Bilingualism—Good, Bad, or Inevitable?

10. Speech and Language Disorders. 

        Falling Short of Normal Communication.

        Phonological Disorders.

        Language Impairments.

        Voice Disorders.

        Fluency Disorders.

        Final Thoughts.


Appendix: The Anatomical and Physiological Bases of Speech, Language, and Hearing.

Name Index.

Subject Index.