The fifth edition of The Development of Language is written and contributed by leading researchers and covers language acquisition and development from infancy through adulthood. With its organization based on developmental stages of language, this book is especially well suited for courses that take a developmental approach. It covers every aspect of language acquisition and development from a lifespan perspective, beginning with the earliest attempts to communicate and ending with the language and communication concerns of the aged. The book thoroughly explores syntax, morphology, semantics, phonology, and pragmatics. It examines atypical development, presents strong coverage of individual differences, how and why they occur, and provides contemporary references and the most recent research findings. The panel of expert authors provides readers with cutting-edge research knowledge in an interesting and highly readable format.

For anyone interested in language development across the age span.

1. Jean Berko Gleason, The Development of Language: An Overview and a Preview.

2. Jacqueline Sachs, Communication Development in Infancy.

3. Lise Menn and Carol Stoel-Gammon, Phonological Development: Learning Sounds and Sound Patterns.

4. Barbara Alexander Pan and Jean Berko Gleason, Semantic Development: Learning the Meanings of Words.

5. Helen Tager-Flusberg, Putting Words Together: Morphology and Syntax in the Preschool Years.

6. Judith Becker Bryant, Language in Social Contexts: Communicative Competence in the Preschool Years.

7. John N. Bohannon III and John D. Bonvillian, Theoretical Approaches to Language Acquisition.

8. Beverly A. Goldfield and Catherine E. Snow, Individual Differences: Implications for the Study of Language Acquisition.

9. Nan Bernstein Ratner, Atypical Language Development.

10. Richard Ely, Language and Literacy in the School Years.

11. Loraine K. Obler, Developments in the Adult Years.