ABSTRACT
In several ways the analysis of the language of the groups of 3-year-olds produced unexpected results. Perhaps the least expected result was to find that 3-year-olds could already be so competent in the use of language. This was something of a surprise, since there could have been little more than a year, or a year and a half, for the development from the typical 2-year-old telegraphic speech to take place. Now, many of the children in the selected groups were using complex structures frequently, with only minor errors occurring but, more surprisingly, some were using language that reflected quite complex thinking. It is clear, however, that not all children at the age of 3 have developed the same skills, and the differences between the language of the advantaged and the disadvantaged groups was evidence ofthis
The objectives for the further study of the language of these same children was to try to trace the development that was taking place as they grew older, and to discover whether the differences between the groups remained, and whether they would become more extensive.
