This paper elaborates on a series of quotations to illustrate major influences in children's language development. The first quotation, from Lilian G. Katz (1988), suggests that what children like is not necessarily developmentally appropriate for them. This idea can be applied to the development of language competence. In the second quotation, Toni G. Cross notes that a loss of language may occur in preschool settings in which the teacher tends towards a dominant conversational style. Discussion of this quotation addresses studies that suggest that mothers' conversational style is more positive than preschool teachers'. In the third quotation, Margaret Clyde (1990) proposes that learning environments need to be embedded in contexts that are meaningful to children. The fourth quotation, from Katz (1989), stresses the value of three functions of language: communication, expression, and reasoning. In the fifth quotation, also from Katz (1989), it is noted that spontaneous play and project work are closely intertwined and occur side by side. The project approach is discussed. It is maintained that appropriate intervention by teachers and caregivers involves encouragement; direction, when necessary; and modeling. The final quotation, from Amy Sheldon (1990), maintains that "our language reflects sexist, male-centred attitudes that perpetuate the...marginalization...of female experience." A bibliography of 14 items is provided. (BC)