Language Production in Infants and Toddlers

Linda R. Cote & Marc H. Bornstein

Language is a uniquely human activity. It allows us to communicate with each other, not just across the dinner table, but across time and space. Once a child begins to speak and master language, we begin to see fundamental changes in that child's behavior and in the behaviors of others toward the child. For example, emerging language skills can reduce the frequency of infant behaviors associated with frustration at being unable to communicate one's wants and needs to others. Researchers interested in language development generally study one particular area of language. For example, researchers may study spoken or written language, language production or comprehension, or one aspect of language (e.g., vocabulary, grammar). In addition, researchers may choose to study any of these topics at any stage of the life span. Because language development is such a broad topic, this entry focuses on spoken language production during infancy and toddlerhood, including ...

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