Cross-linguistic Study of Language Development

Dr. Budwig’s research focuses on language development and language socialization. Her research on language development is grounded in a functionalist perspective, highlighting the ways in which language forms are acquired in tandem with learning to communicate. This work has aimed to better understand the protracted nature of children’s organization of linguistic forms and the functions they serve.

In a second set of studies, Budwig has focused on the role of language in socialization. Here emphasis shifts from language as the domain of study, to viewing language as a system through which the child comes to co-construct meaning. This research examines ways children’s participation in language practice contributes to the construction of culturally relevant senses of personhood. Current research on language development and language socialization has drawn upon culture comparisons of American, German and Hindi-speaking children interacting with their caregivers and peers.