THE ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS IN COGNITIVE LINGUISTIC DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN: AN INDIAN PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Cognitive linguistic development in children is deeply influenced by environmental factors, which provide room for context and acts as input for speech language stimulation and cognitive growth. In the Indian context, these environmental influences are vivid and complex at the same time, due to embedded socio-economic disparities, cultural and linguistic variability and education related factors. This chapter explores the role of these factors such as family socioeconomic status, home literacy environment, school characteristics, parental education, social risk factors, and cultural contexts influence cognitive and linguistic development in Indian children. The chapter derives evidence from the population-based studies, community research, and educational surveys especially in the Indian factors as the socio-cultural landscape would influence the cognitive linguistic development this chapter highlights the multi-faceted nature of cognitive-linguistic factors and the role of enriched, supportive environments early in life. The chapter also emphasizes the implications for the formulation of educational policy and the postulation of early intervention strategies that is to be targeted at the levels of home and school, it also discusses environmental modifications to bridge developmental gaps among Indian children.