This book is designed to provide practical advice to parents and educators on the language acquisition process. Citing numerous case studies and anecdotal examples, it explains how children learn to talk and acquire language. Chapter 1 serves as an introduction to language acquisition, explaining the components, forms, and structure of language. Chapter 2 focuses on language development in infants from birth to the time they articulate their first words, exploring how conversational imperative drives children's early attempts at communication. Chapter 3 focuses on the transition period from single words to structured phrases, when young toddlers are able to express a wealth of information through a handful of sounds, words, and conversational techniques. Chapter 4 and 5 analyze the language strategies of preschoolers as they move from the earliest stages of grammar to becoming saturated speakers of the language. Chapter 6 looks at how children learn to reflect on language, to function in two languages, and to develop facility with other language modalities. Chapter 7 draws together information from the early months of life through age 5 or 6 on how children in a literate society become acculturated in reading and writing. Contains 30 pages of notes, references, and information sources. (MDM)