Ellen Irén Brinchmann|Johan Braeken|Solveig?Alma Halaas Lyster
Is there a direct relation between the development of vocabulary and grammar?
University of Oslo|University of Oslo|University of Oslo
previous studies individual differences revealed strong correlations childrens vocabulary grammatical abilities data used support theoretical accounts positing direct developmental relations two areas language however betweenperson differences necessarily reflect intraindividual dynamics thus present study analysed longitudinal data three annual assessments vocabulary grammar 217 children mage 4 years 3 months first assessment using modelling strategy utility distinguishing relations withinperson levels results revealed strong correlations grammar vocabulary betweenperson level evidence direct dependencies variables withinperson level rather limited specifically found small direct contribution grammar vocabulary children ages 4 5 evidence direct contributions vocabulary grammar analyses suggested home literacy environment may represent common source individual differences childrens vocabulary grammatical skills light results argue evidence direct relations vocabulary grammatical development preschoolaged children may strong previously assumed