Language Development From Theory to Practice

NOW PUBLISHED BY PLURAL! 

Turnbull and Justice’s Language Development from Theory to Practice, Fourth Edition provides a multidisciplinary, research-grounded introduction to how language develops from infancy through the school-age years and beyond. The text establishes a foundation in the building blocks, science, and major theories of language development before examining developmental achievements in language form, content, and use. Drawing on perspectives from communication sciences and disorders, linguistics, psychology, education, neuroscience, and related fields, the authors examine how biological, cognitive, social, and environmental factors shape language learning, with particular attention to individual differences across development.

Written in an accessible, student-friendly style, the text takes an integrated approach to theory, research, and practice, demonstrating how each informs the study and application of language development. Students explore developmental milestones and variation, language diversity, and childhood language disorders while learning how researchers and clinicians study and measure children’s language abilities. Throughout, the authors demonstrate how theoretical perspectives and research findings inform evidence-based educational and clinical decision-making, helping students apply foundational knowledge to their future work with children and families. The fourth edition’s science-and-theory coverage also places greater emphasis on translational research and applications in home, classroom, and clinical contexts.

New to the Fourth Edition

• Expanded focus on literacy development, including the Science of Reading, decoding, language comprehension, phonics, and the relationship between oral language and reading achievement
• Broader treatment of language diversity and multilingual development, with current perspectives on bilingualism and multilingualism, code-switching, translanguaging, English Learners, and second language acquisition
• Current approaches to childhood language disorders, including developmental language disorder (DLD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and other neurodevelopmental conditions, with updated terminology and research
• Reconceptualized treatment of nature and nurture in language development, integrating neuroscience and environmental influences on language learning, brain development, language processing, sensitive periods, and neuroplasticity
• Updated research and content throughout, complemented by additional data tables and visual elements

Key Features

• Chapter Learning Outcomes aligned with key concepts and skills
• Bolded key terms throughout and an end-of-book glossary reinforce essential terminology
• Theory to Practice boxes offer recommendations for educators and clinicians
• Chapter Summaries reinforce major concepts and developmental principles
• Rich visual supports, including figures, tables, and photos that enhance comprehension

PluralPlus Ancillaries

For Instructors:

• PowerPoint Slides
• Instructor’s Resource Manual with Chapter Learning Outcomes, Class Activities, Discussion Points, Case Studies, and a Test Bank
• Teaching Tips
• Sample Course Syllabus
• LMS Course: A ready-to-use LMS course organized into...read more...