Methods for Assessing Children's Syntax

Methods for Assessing Children's Syntax is the only book of its kind, a how-to manual on experimental approaches to child language framed by the insights and philosophy of linguistic theory. Clearly and concisely written by experts in the field, the book is an invaluable resource for researchers doing empirical work in language development or anyone interested in finding out how we come to know what children know about their language.

Nina Hyams, Professor of Linguistics, University of California, Los Angeles

This collection is an important contribution to the study of language acquisition. The chapters are written by some of the most prominent scholars in the field, and they provide an elegant demonstration of the exciting overlap between theoretical linguistics and experimental psychology. The editors have intended this as a comprehensive 'how-to' handbook for people who want to study children's syntax, and they have succeeded admirably. Anyone who is interested in either doing their own research in language acquisition or in critically evaluating the research of others would benefit enormously from this collection.

Paul Bloom, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology and Linguistics, and Research Social Scientist in Cognitive Science, University of Arizona

This book is an invaluable resource for students and researchers in the field of first language acquisition. All major methods of investigating children's linguistic competence and performance are included, with chapters written by investigators who have pioneered and perfected the techniques. The book will be on every researcher's shelf.

Virginia Valian, Professor of Psychology, Hunter College;Ph. D. Program in Linguistics, CUNY Graduate Center