Language development is the process by which children acquire the ability to communicate verbally (or signed) and in writing. This begins in utero when the fetus is able to hear patterns of sounds, and continues through crying, vocalizing, babbling, and mimicking, into words, sentences, and eventually writing. Bilingual or multilingual development occurs when a child is consistently exposed to and using more than one language at once.
This reading from the Head Start Early Childhood Learning and and Knowledge Center for Cultural and Linguistic Responsiveness revisits the Multicultural Principles handbook from 1991. It provides updated research and information on key points including:
- Culture has an influence on the beliefs and behaviors of everyone.
- Culture is passed from generation to generation.
- Culture is dynamic and changes according to the contemporary environment.
- Home language is a key component of children’s identity formation.
- Successful programs respect and incorporate the cultures of children and families.
The first principle is “Every individual is rooted in culture”. To view all of the updated principles visit ECLKC.