ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a model of the processes of perception–action linkage in early speech development. This model addresses especially three critical components: the auditory system, motor control of the vocal tract, and language exposure. A sensory map is a neural representation of sensory information. Because the sensory map is shaped by cognitive and experiential factors, it is not necessarily a veridical representation of incoming stimuli. A motor map is a neural representation of motor control over a given system. Such a map can be adjusted developmentally in accord with the requirements for motor behaviors. Behavioral maturation in auditory function is related to neural maturation, and the latter is coming to be better understood. Auditory–visual maps are neural representations of combined auditory and visual input. The term vocal tract is an acoustic concept that incorporates all the oral and pharyngeal structures located superiorly to the laryngeal source.
