Speech and Language Development

Speech and language development is a natural, fluid, and dynamic process beginning before birth and evolving throughout the lifespan. Through sounds, words, gestures, signs, and behaviors humans communicate thoughts, ideas, and information. They understand each other, socialize, and learn about the world. Genetic, cognitive, physical, social, cultural, and emotional development all shape speech and language development. There are a variety of theories about speech and language development, most notably those put forth by Jean Piaget, Noam Chomsky, Len Vigotsky, and B. F. Skinner. While none is universally accepted by speech language pathologists, each has influenced how we think about and support development in individuals. Every human brain is hardwired to acquire and learn language, regardless of culture. Over time, an individual advances through predetermined developmental milestones via natural maturation, social interactions, and modeling those with more advanced language skills. Opportunities for repeated practice must be present for language learning to take place. Although individuals differ, typical development is predicable and sequenced, with milestones achieved at or around the same age in most children.

Not all children develop language as naturally and fluidly as most. Speech and language delays and disorders occur in children with no other disability (specific language impairment) in less than 10% of the population. For children with [Page 1541]developmental and intellectual disabilities, impairments in speaking, understanding, and formulating language and in social skill development occur more frequently. The characteristics and level of severity differ among groups and individuals. This entry examines the components of speech, components of language, progression of speech development, progression of speech and language development, speech and language play, and specific disorders related to speech and language development.