Table of Contents
List of Figures viii
Foreword xi
Preface to the Fourth Edition xi
Introduction xiv
Acknowledgements xvi
Part I Language and Learning 1
1 Linguistics: The Study of Language 3
Linguistics 4
Grammars 7
Systems and signs 12
Key terms 17
Further reading 17
2 Sociolinguistics: Language and Cultures 19
Language variety 19
Power and influence 26
Language change 31
Multilingualism 36
Key terms 42
Further reading 43
3 Psycholinguistics: Early Language Acquisition 45
Early language acquisition 46
How do we do it? Stages in speech and language development 52
Key terms 61
Further reading 62
4 Psycholinguistics: Language and Thinking 63
Important perspectives 63
Brainy babies 73
Words and concepts 75
Key terms 78
Further reading 78
5 The Early Years Practitioner and Knowledge About Language 81
Theory into practice 81
Language study in early years settings 84
Language in social settings 90
Multilingualism in early years settings 92
Language, thinking and learning 95
Further reading 99
Part II Literacy 101
6 Narrative and Storying 103
Narrative 103
Storying 106
Key terms 116
Further reading 117
7 Books and the World of Literature 119
Early experiences with books 120
Literature and emerging literacy 133
Teaching reading and supporting readers 137
Key terms 149
Further reading 149
8 Early Representation and Emerging Writing 151
Process and product 152
Literacy, culture and schooling 153
Early representation and symobolizing 155
Symbols and the creation of meanings 161
Appropriate practices 172
Key terms 186
Further reading 187
9 The Early Years Practitioner and Literacy 189
Literacy beginnings for babies and toddlers 190
Moving on with literacy 192
Emergent literacy 200
Parents, families, communities and cultures 215
Records and assessment 217
Further reading 223
Language and Education: Some Key Texts 225
Literature Referred to in the Text 227
References 229
DVDs and Useful Websites 239
Index 241
