Language can be said to be in two parts: expressive as in speaking, and receptive as in understanding.

Development in language represents the ability to use words to express ideas and feelings.

Speech problems can be from hearing loss or developmental delays, such as when other motor skills are being learned at a faster rate.

Delayed speech development can also be from a lack of verbal stimulation. An example is when siblings and others in a daycare setting are doing most of the speaking.

The skill of reading is understanding using sight. Writing is using an implement for speaking. And, these skills only develop after hearing and understanding words, and expressing verbally.

The following online resources are recommended reading and were used to research this article. Some contain charts of timelines and definitions of when communication skills tend to develop - birth to 5 - and resource 4. is about acquiring English as a 2nd language

1. How Does Your Child Hear and Talk?
A side by side chart of hearing and understanding, and speech development from birth to 5 years.

2. Delayed Speech or Language Development
Discusses age at which to seek professional evaluation if a child does not seem to be hearing or speaking well.

3. Language and Literacy Development
In-depth article of language development birth to 5 years.

4. Acquiring English as a Second Language
Discusses what is normal phenomenon for a child learning English as a 2nd language.

Books

Ebooks