An important period of speech perception and comprehension development

Abstract

Most children in our times face failures at one time or another without their families and teachers having a plausible explanation for the underlying reasons. The problems are usually rooted in fundamental processes connected to first language acquisition: the development of language production and perception. The mechanisms of language processing are hidden from us. As a consequence, deficits and possible disorders do not necessarily reveal themselves in everyday communication. The present study provides an insight into the characteristics of speech perception and comprehension of typically developing children between 5 and 6 years of age; the most important criteria for atypical development; and the possible causes of poor performance. It also draws the attention to the fact that it is vitally important to constantly monitor this complicated process of language acquisition in order to prevent consequential problems including reading, writing and learning difficulties and the emergence of frustration at kindergarten and school.