The Encyclopedia of Language Development, edited by Patricia J. Brooks, offers an in-depth exploration of the complex journey from a newborn’s initial cries to becoming a proficient language user within just a few years. This comprehensive resource delves into the biological, cognitive, and social foundations that support this remarkable development, answering questions such as: What major milestones occur during infancy? How do researchers investigate these advancements? Why do some individuals thrive in multilingual environments while others struggle with single languages? What factors lead to declines in language proficiency, and how can such declines be mitigated?

Despite the availability of numerous textbooks, specialized monographs, and academic handbooks, there has been a notable absence of an encyclopedic reference work dedicated to this field—until now. The Encyclopedia of Language Development fills this gap by covering the full spectrum of theories and research related to language development from birth through adulthood, along with practical applications.

This affordable A-to-Z reference includes 200 articles addressing a wide range of topics such as theoretical perspectives and research traditions, biological approaches, cognitive insights, family and peer influences, bilingualism, special populations, and more. Ideal for researchers, students, educators, and anyone interested in the science behind language acquisition and development.

Discover the answers to these intriguing questions and much more in the Encyclopedia of Language Development, edited by Patricia J. Brooks, published by SAGE Publications, Inc on March 28, 2014. ISBN-13: 978-1483389776.

Features:

• Comprehensive coverage of language development theories and research
• Exploration of biological, cognitive, and social perspectives
• Detailed examination of family, peer, and social influences
• In-depth analysis of bilingualism and special populations
• Practical applications for educators and researchers
• Affordable A-to-Z reference with 200 articles on key topics

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