Final answer:
Factors such as the critical period, parental expectations, and bilingualism can impact language development in infancy and early childhood.
Step-by-step explanation:
Language development in infancy and early childhood can be influenced by various factors. One important factor is the critical period for language development. This is a specific period of time in early childhood when language acquisition is optimal. Research suggests that this critical period occurs between the ages of nine months and three years.
Parental expectations also play a role in language development. When parents have high expectations for their child's language skills, they are more likely to provide rich language input and engage in language-related activities. This can positively impact language development.
Another factor is bilingualism. Growing up in a bilingual environment can have both advantages and challenges for language development. Bilingual children often have a larger vocabulary and enhanced cognitive flexibility. However, they may also experience some delays in language development compared to monolingual children.