Abstract
This is an extremely detailed, complex book, which encompasses all aspects of language development. I especially enjoyed Chapter 2, which explains the reasons why language acquisition is uniquely human. This is an area often neglected, and I think the reader would be interested in the different experiments done with animals with their idiosyncratic methods of communication, from dancing bees to signing chimps, and the detailed discussions of the reasons that their systems are so different to human language.
As each chapter is very complex and sometimes it was easy to get a bit bogged down, I found the box at the end entitled ‘in a nutshell’ extremely helpful in organizing my thoughts and guiding me to re-tread any parts that I had not fully understood. I also liked the boxes that provided academic relief from the main text and helped to expand on an important concept or idea or give the reader details of a key person such as Chomsky and his impact on linguistics.
I liked the references at the end of each chapter rather than as is usual at the end of the book. In addition, websites are given, which enables the reader to investigate key issues or interesting facts more easily; for example, estimating vocabulary size where Crystal describes one method of estimating how large your vocabulary is. I do feel that this aspect will appeal and make life easier for students who need to use the Harvard referencing system. It also gives credence to the quality of the website research, which makes reading and research easier for students who are often bombarded by a multitude of potential sites; the recommendations ease prioritization of research. The discussion points interspersed throughout the book are also very useful for students. These could provide a starter for their own discussion groups with peers. Another good aspect for students is that the exercises are provided on linguistic concepts and the answer provided at the back of the book.
The books title accurately describes what it covers, and the acquisition of language is dealt with in great detail. The book is much aimed at students or theorists, and it would be a helpful resource to effectively update a speech and language therapist who is maybe new to working with children or for someone returning to the work place. It provides an appropriate amount of knowledge regarding typical development to provide a platform for consideration of speech and language disorder or delay.
Overall I enjoyed reading this book. I found it comprehensive and detailed with some very good ideas, such as summarizing the main points in a chapter to ease assimilation of facts, and encouraging the reader to expand on the areas covered in each chapter by providing the appropriate links to websites.