After reading this chapter, the student should be able to:

• describe what happens during the receptive and expressive language periods.
• gain a clear understanding of what language allows children to do.
• explain how brain growth influences language development.
• compare guidelines for fostering language development and early literacy development.
• understand" bilingualism" and its influence on language development.
• identify how communication disorders impact language growth.
• realize the importance of early intervention for a child with a communication disorder.