Child's Talk: Learning to Use Language

Jerome Bruner's *Child's Talk: Learning to Use Language* offers a profound exploration of how children master language, grounded in his belief that language is acquired through active use within real-life contexts. Rather than sterile laboratory observations, Bruner immerses readers in the everyday "clutter of life at home," emphasizing the pivotal role of "formats" – structured, scriptlike interactions such as play and games like peekaboo or hide-and-seek. These seemingly simple exchanges are, for Bruner, the foundational building blocks where children learn not just to refer to objects but to navigate the complexities of communication, from making requests to understanding social norms. This seminal work is a cornerstone of Bruner's intellectual legacy, making it an essential inclusion on any list of his best books. *Child's Talk* encapsulates his groundbreaking ideas about the social and interactive nature of learning, a departure from purely cognitive theories. His concept of the Language Acquisition Support System (LASS) elegantly articulates how adults scaffold a child's linguistic development, guiding them through the intricate process of expressing needs, desires, and eventually, cultural values. The book is a testament to Bruner's ability to translate complex psychological theories into accessible insights, illuminating the rich tapestry of human development and solidifying his position as one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century.