Language Development: An Introduction, 11th edition

Published by Pearson (February 10, 2026) © 2027

  • Robert E. Owens College of St. Rose

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In this eTextbook — More ways to learn

  • More support. Get AI help with personalized summaries, instant explanations, and quick translations.
  • More flexible. Start learning right away, on any device.
  • More interactive. Learn through audio, video, and practice.
  • More memorable. Study better with notes, highlights, and flashcards.

In this eTextbook — More ways to learn

  • More support. Get AI help with personalized summaries, instant explanations, and quick translations.
  • More flexible. Start learning right away, on any device.
  • More interactive. Learn through audio, video, and practice.
  • More memorable. Study better with notes, highlights, and flashcards.

Title overview

Language Development introduces you to generalized development along with individual patterns. It’s a very readable overview of all language development aspects including syntax, morphology, semantics, phonology, and pragmatics. Each concept is explained clearly, then reinforced with outstanding learning aids such as discussion questions, chapter objectives, reflections, and Main Point boxed features.

The 11th Edition reflects the most up-to-date research and perspectives, adds coverage of bilingualism and other topics, discusses AI and the effects of media on language, and much more.

Table of contents

  • 1. The Territory
  • 2. Describing Language
  • 3. Neurocognitive Bases of Speech and Language
  • 4. The Social and Communicative Bases of Early Language and Speech
  • 5. First Words and Word Combinations
  • 6. Language-Learning and Teaching ProcessesandYoungChildren
  • 7. Preschool Pragmatic and Semantic Development
  • 8. Preschool Development of Language Form
  • 9. Early School-Age Language Development
  • 10. School-Age Literacy Development
  • 11. Bilingual Language Development
  • 12. Adolescent and Adult Language

Appendices

  • A. American English Speech Sounds
  • B. Major Racial and Ethnic Dialects of American English
  • C. Development Summary
  • D. Computing MLU
  • E. Background Grammar

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