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. 2009 Dec 27;364(1536):3607-15.
doi: 10.1098/rstb.2009.0213.

Word learning and lexical development across the lifespan

M Gareth Gaskell  1 , Andrew W Ellis
Affiliations

Word learning and lexical development across the lifespan

M Gareth Gaskell et al. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. .

Abstract

Word learning is one of the core components of language acquisition. In this article, we provide an overview of the theme issue on word learning, describing some of the ways in which research in the area has progressed and diverged. In recent years, word learning has become central in a wider range of research areas, and is important to research on adult, as well as child and infant language. We introduce 10 papers that cover the recent developments from a wide range of perspectives, focusing on developmental research, the influence of reading skills, neuroimaging and the relationship between word learning and general models of memory.

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