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Child Language
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Child Language
Acquisition and Development

Second Edition
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October 2017 | 408 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
This is the best book on the market for taking  students from ‘how children acquire their first language’ to the point where
they can engage with key debates and current research in the field of child language. No background knowledge of linguistic theory is assumed and all specialist terms are introduced in clear, non-technical language.

It is rare in its balanced presentation of evidence from both sides of the nature–nurture divide and its ability to make this complicated topic engaging and understandable to everyone.

This edition includes

  • Exercises to foster an understanding of key concepts in language and linguistics
  • glossary of key terms so students can always check back on the more difficult terms
  • Suggestions for further reading including fascinating TED Talks that bring the subject to life
  • Access to Multiple Choice Quizzes and other online resources so students can check they've understood what they have just read
 
Chapter 1: Landmarks in the Landscape of Child Language
 
Chapter 2: Can Animals Acquire Human Language? Shakespeare's Typewriter
 
Chapter 3: The Critical Period Hypothesis: Now or Never?
 
Chapter 4: Input and Interaction: Tutorials for Toddlers
 
Chapter 5: Language in the First Year: Breaking the Sound Barrier
 
Chapter 6: The Developing Lexicon: What's in a Name?
 
Chapter 7: The Acquisition of Morphology: Linguistic Lego
 
Chapter 8: Linguistic Nativism: To the Grammar Born
 
Chapter 9: The Usage-Based Approach: Making It up as You Go along
 
Chapter 10: You Say Nature, I Say Nurture: Better Call the Calling off off

Child Language provides a fascinating and accessible account of language acquisition, drawing on relevant theories and research. The book makes good use of exercises and discussion points to encourage the reader to critically engage, and is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the development of language.

Dr Ally Grandison
University of Surrey

Matthew’s writing is fascinating! It is a must book that every student should have in their library. I always find Matthew’s examples so fantastic helping us to understand difficult and complex processes in child language development.

Dr Georgia Niolaki
Coventry University

An invaluable resource for students and others interested in language development. The second edition comes with a companion website that offers additional online resources to link to teaching and/or studying.

Wolfgang Mann, MA, Ph.D.
Reader in Special and Inclusive Education University of Roehampton, School of Education

This is a great introduction to the topic, well-written and easily accessible. Clearly laid out, with text boxes, quizzes and key terms explained.

Dr Karin White
Business and Humanities, Sligo Institute of Technology
May 22, 2019

This is an excellent book. It is built upon a solid review of current and past research, but brings fresh perspectives to our thinking about children's language development.

Dr David Waugh
School of Education, Durham University
March 1, 2018

Matthew Saxton's 'Child Language' is a fascinating book, giving insight into the ways in which children develop the ability to speak. Starting from pre-birth and tracing the many stages of development up to mature speaking ability, it is a thorough and engaging read. Written in an accessible and sometimes humorous style, difficult or unfamiliar concepts are dealt with in such a way that they can be easily understood.

Dr Louise Campbell
Moray House School of Education, Edinburgh University
November 13, 2017
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