This paper describes a series of experiments and research paradigms designed to investigate language development, specifically semantic, syntactic, and communicative development in children. Included are discussions of two studies of semantic development which examined developmental changes of word meanings. Also discussed are three studies of communicative development which investigated how explicit or inferred alternatives affect the way preschoolers, first and second graders construct messages in communication situations. In addition, a study which examined children's ability to construct persuasive messages, and a study which investigated the development of empathy in children are described. (BRT)