THE DEVELOPMENT OF LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION

The development of language and communication



THE DEVELOPMENT OF LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION

The development of language and communication





Introduction

“Silence is one of the hardest arguments to refute” (Billings, 2011). This statement in itself makes one realize the importance of language and communication. A medium is required in order to voice, to say, to interact. Language is known as the representation of thought. It is a studied code; a regulation that facilitates in bringing forth our opinions and caters to our desired wants. Within the umbrella of language we find reading, writing, gesturing and speaking. Hence this means language falls into categories which include receptive language that is basic comprehension of what is spoken, written and expressive language which is saying, writing (Berk & Potts, 1991). Communication helps in building relationship with one another. Communication is the main purpose of language in short. One communicated with more than words and here comes the concept of non verbal communication which basically include facial expression, making eye contact certain gestures etc

Discussion

For a child the first five years mark the most integral path towards learning and developing communicating skills as this is the time when a Childs neurons development and formation take the most and the development depends mostly on how much interaction the child is given. Be it a couple, a single parent or a caretaker, irrespective of the family structure to develop and enhance their learning and developing skills it is imperative that you interact with them which means giving them quality time (Bloomquist, et. al, 1997).

Children have different learning spans. Some are quick language learners and some are not, they take time so it is advisable not to assess one child's development in terms of learning and communicating with another. The essence is to observe and assess if language development is occurring gradually; do not take into account the speed. One should simply enjoy this; interact with them in a natural way. Hear their sounds; make them listen to stories so that communication and learning of the child develops. Language is the medium that facilitates success in the upcoming years in schooling. This is also essential as language development is the initial alert sign towards hearing disabilities of autism and other similar disorders (Cantwell & Baker, 1991).

If a child within the span of 2 years is unable to have a spoken vocabulary of less than 50 words then he comes in the category of 'late talker' and in such a scenario they should be taken for a complete check up to their respective language pathologist. Qualified personnel who check, evaluate, diagnose such disorders are called SLPs (Speech Language Pathologist).

They are called by different names globally. There is a SLP for every different area not all cater to all children's needs. As explained earlier learning and communication development is a continual process, which starts from first week of simple crying to the span of 9 months when real words come which is when ...