The fifth edition of The Development of Language, written and contributed by leading researchers, covers language acquisition and development from infancy through adulthood. With its organization based on developmental stages of language, this authoritative text is especially well-suited for courses that take a developmental approach. It covers every aspect of language acquisition and development from a lifespan perspective, beginning with the earliest attempts to communicate and ending with the language and communication concerns of the aged. The text thoroughly explores syntax, morphology, semantics, phonology, and pragmatics. It examines atypical development, presents strong coverage of individual differences, how and why they occur, and provides contemporary references and the most recent research findings. The panel of expert authors provides students with cutting-edge research knowledge in an interesting and highly readable format.