This concluding article of an issue focused on the interaction of phonology with other aspects of language and language learning discusses findings that indicate the importance of considering these aspects when devising remediation strategies for a single domain. The need for future research is emphasized. (Contains 7 references.) (CR)

Provides an overview of early language and literacy development and influences. Details how teachers can use storybooks to plan toddler curricula, presents criteria for selecting toddler books for curriculum projects, and describes how one book served as the foundation for a curriculum project, focusing on representing ideas and concepts from the…

Naturalistic mother-child speech between autistic, Down's syndrome, or normal children and their mothers was studied to determine whether imitation facilitates grammar acquisition. Spontaneous utterances were longer and contained more advanced grammar than imitation utterances, indicating that imitation does not play a significant role in grammar…

This study addressed the extent to which performance on selected verbal and nonverbal measures contributed to the prediction of inflection learning with 20 normal boys (ages 4 to 5). Results suggested that inflection learning may be tied more to other language abilities than to nonverbal cognitive skills in normally developing boys. (DB)

Analysis of learner language (LL), the foreign-language learner's utterances, can provide insight into the second-language acquisition process. Various models of first- and second-language acquisition are reviewed, characteristics of LL are discussed, and the role of instruction in second-language acquisition is considered. (IAH)

Phonological development of 145 children between the ages of 2 and 8 years was examined through annual assessment using a standardized articulation test. Process usage declined between 2 1/2 and 4 years and infrequent process usage was observed after the age of 4. Race differences were found, but no sex differences were found. (Author/PB)

Offers suggestions to incorporate holistic reading and writing activities into existing curricula and classroom structure to create a print-rich environment in which children use reading and writing in meaningful ways. (MG)

Reanalyzes Gierut's study that presents a case in which a phonological intervention program is used to effect a phonemic split in a child with a highly restricted phonological system. Three alternatives to Gierut's analysis are presented and discussed. (21 references) (Author/OD)

Examined the development of Irish word order patterns. It was found that the 1.5- to 3-year-olds (N=3) studied used subject-initial utterances more frequently than adults in input, and that for both adults and children the elision of the verb "to be" had a significant role in the placement of subjects in the utterances. (42 references)…

Explores developmental (age) differences in meaning that children at four grade levels assign to count and relational quantifiers. Results indicated 92 percent of the children demonstrated understanding of all count quantifiers. For relational quantifiers, mean numerical values assigned to four terms followed expected patterns; understanding of…

A validation study of five checklists for assessing two-year-olds' word production revealed that the lists produced comparable mean production scores, reflected age differences, and preserved individual differences in total production and in production of linguistic categories such as nouns, verbs, open class items, and closed class items.…

Discusses whole language teaching and learning within a theoretical context. Examines philosophies, materials, and strategies for developing children's literacy skills. Looks at a resurgence of old methodologies and materials with new insights. Offers basic tenets of a holistic approach to language learning. (BB)

Summarizes Stephen Krashen's work on second language acquisition (involving the distinction between language acquisition and language learning). Discusses several techniques for teaching "Edited American English" in light of Krashen's theory, including error-based exercises and guided editing. Indicates which techniques help or impede…

Fifty-seven children, aged 23-28 months, were assessed using the Sequenced Inventory of Communication Development, mean length of utterance, and Minnesota Child Development Inventory (MCDI). The MCDI Expressive Language scale was found to be a valid predictor of expressive language. The MCDI Comprehension-Conceptual scale appeared to assess both…

Research on language intervention in the natural environment was reviewed in relation to the variables of context, analysis of communicative behaviors, and intervention strategies. Intervention strategies described include naturally occurring opportunities, skill cluster training, interrupted behavior chain strategy, and milieu training.…