Role of Ecological Variables on Language Performance of Preschoolers

Abstract

The foundation for the language development is laid during the early formative years. The home environment and the interaction of the child with mother and other significant people are the important factors in molding the child’s life. Study was conducted in Hisar city of Haryana State (India) on a sample of 240 children i.e.120 each from rural and urban, in the age range of 4 to 5 years. Reynell Developmental Language Scale (1985) was used to assess the language development of children. Self ­structured and duly pretested interview schedule was used to examine the ecological profile of families. To delineate the effect of ecological factors on language performance of children, Duncan Multiple Range test was computed. Results highlighted that in both the settings, the language performance of children was remarkably influenced by the educational level of parents showing that educated parents provided quality stimulation to their children. Children from high and middle caste with higher family income and coming from service and business class families were significantly advanced on language performance in both the settings. The results demand for the need to plan strategies for enhancing language development of children at early stage both in school and home.