Neuroscience of Language Development

Abstract Language development is associated with specific changes in the brain. Initially, the development of speech motor control is examined, emphasizing the two different brain circuits that are involved in human vocal learning: cortico-striatal and the cerebro-cerebellar motor loops. Language development is divided into two stages: early (pre-school period) and late (from 6 years to adolescence). Different levels of language development are reviewed: phonological, lexical, and grammatical. We describe how lexical development begins around the age of 12 months, and grammar develops between the ages of two and three. At the age of six, the child has acquired a basic language. Further development is observed during the school period, related to increased metacognitive awareness; during this period written language abilities also develop. In the following section, neurological changes are correlated with language development. We observe that language complexity is supported by some neurological changes in language brain areas, particularly the left frontal and temporal lobes. To close this review, some general conclusions are presented.