Language is a gift of special significance to the human species. Whether the source of the generosity is nature or nurture, or some combination, is controversial, but few scientists or laypeople would dispute the evolutionary and practical value of the key mode of communication. From infancy, language is integral to just about everything one does, share, understand, perceive and achieve. Appropriately, childcare professionals and parents are disturbed by indications that a young person is not developing language skills at a typical pace. Social interdependence is another, and closely related, defining characteristic of the human species. Nature dictates that humans cannot survive to maturity without access to and support from others. Society necessitates that one gets out and learn about each other, developing knowledge and skills in interaction. Again, when a child appears limited in her or his ability to participate in everyday social life, there is cause for concern. In this article, the author comments on the relationships among language development, shyness, peer and family contexts, on shyness and literacy, on cross-cultural and gender issues, and on intervention.