This book provides a synthesis of research findings in normal language development as well as a practical approach to the evaluation and treatment of children with language disorders. Its 21 chapters are divided into six topical sections: language description, normal language development, deviant language development, goals of language learning based on normal development, correlates of language disorders, and facilitating language learning. Each chapter concludes with a summary and a list of suggested readings. The book includes appendixes that set forth conventions for transcription of child language recordings and video recorded data, present definitions of language content categories, and list instruments for assessing language and language-related behaviors. An extensive bibliography of related resources and author and subject indexes are also provided. (GW)