A Review of the Developmental Implications of Language Acquisition

The present review focuses on the environmental influences on childhood language acquisition with a particular emphasis on the exploration of possible gender differences and subsequent cognitive performance. The reviewed research suggests that sub-optimal rearing environments could negatively affect language development. Additionally, the literature in the domain of language development in children points to a moderational role played by the environment as well as gender in children's acquisition of language. This review also evaluates the later developmental effects of early language acquisition with particular emphasis on later intelligence scores, reading comprehension, and school achievement.