The home language environment and early childhood development: a LENA study from rural and peri-urban China

The home language environment is a significant correlate of early childhood development outcomes; however, less is known about this mechanism in rural and peri-urban China where rates of developmental delay are as high as 52%. This study examines associations between the home language environment and child development in a sample of 158 children (58% boys) aged 18-24 months (Mage = 21.5) from rural and peri-urban households in Western China. Results show a significant association between adult-child conversation count and language development, suggesting the home language environment may be a mechanism for child development in rural and peri-urban China. 22.5% of the sample were at risk of language delay. Mother's employment and child's age were significant factors in the home language environment. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSThis research investigates the links between the home language environment and ECD in rural and peri-urban communities in China.This study shows significant positive associations between measures of the home language environment and language development outcomes, as well as with overall ECD outcomes.Adult-child conversations were more important for language development outcomes than was the number of adult words spoken.Female-initiated conversations were more important than child-initiated conversations for language development.