Explore projects in Language Development!
Projects in language development explore how children acquire, understand, and use language as they grow. These studies investigate the processes behind speech, vocabulary growth, grammar, and communication skills, as well as how language supports cognitive and social development. Researchers often examine the roles of early interactions with caregivers, exposure to multiple languages, and the influence of culture, socioeconomic status, and educational environments. Projects may also focus on language delays, disorders, and interventions that promote strong language skills in early childhood and beyond. This research helps shape practices in education, speech-language therapy, and family support programs to ensure all children reach their communication potential.
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- Causal connections among infant motor actions and word learningProject Abstract/Summary Infants hear thousands of words every day. How do they learn word meanings amidst the chaos and clutter of daily life? The context – where, when, and how words are spoken – is known to support infants’ word learning. Infants connect the words they hear to the accompanying context, including what they see, the location, and social cues from caregivers (e.g., the word “cup” is often spoken in kitchens, at mealtimes, with a cup in view). Such context… Read more: Causal connections among infant motor actions and word learning
- LangDiv: Beyond object-label mappings: A temporal microanalysis of toddler semantic and lexical integrationProject Abstract/Summary This research asks how the words that children already know help them to learn new words. That is, is it easier or harder to learn a new word that either sounds like or is similar in meaning to words the child already knows? Answering this question benefits parents and educators with information about how best to expose children to new words. Children are tested online and do not need to come to a university campus; therefore, this project… Read more: LangDiv: Beyond object-label mappings: A temporal microanalysis of toddler semantic and lexical integration