Literacy & Language Development

Language Development
Language development in adolescence is largely a function of connectionsconnecting life events to a life story, connecting to each other through shared and similar vocabulary, and connecting with technology. During childhood, children organize their memories into stories about their own experiences. At adolescence, preteens begin to connect these experiences to develop a narrative, or life story. Psychologist Eric Erikson suggests that developing a life story is the first stage in forming a mature identity and thus, adolescence. In their life stories, to convey an enduring identity, adolescents depict themselves consistent across time and situations. Three components of cognition make the development of a life story possible.
Use memories and language to create a clear story that explains your identity. Use metacognition to reflect on situations and behavior and ask, Why did I do that? or Why did that happen? Understand that you and others have thoughts, feelings, and personal histories.

Literacy Development
Literacy development during adolescence is marked by a broadened vocabulary resulting from widespread reading and writing. Much of adolescent literacy closely aligns with that of their personal development. As students grapple with their own identity and peer relations, they participate in reading and writing that focuses around biographies and autobiographies. Moving toward a more selfless and empathetic perspective, students become interested in reading and writing nonfiction text about current events and social issues. They also begin to identify the purpose of elements of fiction. By the time adolescents reach their late middle school years, much of their reading and writing focuses around themes, curricular literature, discussions, and debates. These topics expose adolescents to a variety of genres and expand their vocabulary. Throughout adolescence, preteens and teens writing moves from using informal language with extreme positions and lacking writing conventions toward a formal register that is more organized and grammatically correct.

The development of a personal narrative and determining ones identity are hallmarks of adolescence. The above characteristics align closely with other developmental milestones of adolescence, including the ability to recognize and understand cause and effect as well as seeing beyond oneself to relate to and connect with others. As peers develop their own identity, their language development not only plays out in their creation of a narrative, but also as they connect with their peers. The following characteristics mark adolescent language and vocabulary development.
Speaks on impulse and is often rude, loud Begins to recognize and use humor Uses peer language (slang) Develops broader vocabulary Learns to interact and converse with adults

The emergence and organization of language varies among cultures. However during this crucial time, adolescents are very concerned about developing their personal identity and fitting in and socializing with their peer groups. As they progress through adolescence, young adults determine which register to use when speaking depending on the context of the situation. 2