In this fascinating and informative book, Margaret Maclagan and Anne Buckley – two specialists in children’s language development – explain the subtle and extraordinary process in which children learn to talk and the very important role that parents and grandparents can play.

Combining a comprehensive understanding of speech development with fascinating scientific facts – did you know that babies cry with an accent? – 'Talking Baby' offers numerous practical suggestions and real-life examples of how parents can best help their children to learn to talk. The authors also provide many ideas for ‘talking’ topics, as well as ways to use the everyday things in life to encourage children’s comprehension and speech.

Drawing on their combined 40 years’ experience, the authors also address some of the more commonly asked questions by parents such as:
• Why is it that my child can imitate a word accurately but continues to use the wrong pronunciation in his speech?
• Do second and other children talk later than first children?
• My 18-month-old child isn’t saying anything. Should I be worried?
• Is it better to use grown-up language to talk to young children than ‘baby talk’?
• How early can I start reading to my child?
• English isn’t my first language. How can I help my children to speak it well?
• My child is repeating words a lot, especially when excited – does this mean she’s stuttering?