How twins develop language skills
A very interesting study around how language develops in preschool twins compared to singletons. A well organised study and clearly written, this research has become a classic in the field for anyone interested in the nature of twins' language development.
The language learning environment of twins compared to singletons varies as the attention of the parent is divided between two children of the same developmental age. This can result in delayed language development, but as Savic shows this is not inevitable. Savic's research has shown that the order of the acquisition of language structures may vary in twins compared to singletons, for example Savic found that personal pronouns (eg me, I) developed earlier in twins than in singletons due to the need to differentiate between individuals at an earlier age. Discourse devices such as how to intervene into a conversation and taking turns was also found to develop earlier in twins. There remains a body of evidence to say that on average twins have a 3-6 month delay in communication skills, however Savic suggests that twins possibly adapt to the "twin situation" and that this may be reflected in such things as shorter sentences to allow faster transmission of a message before the other child gains the parent's attention. I think it is a fascinating area which still has many unanswered questions surrounding it, such as how do parents interact with twins in order to facilitate their language skills. Savic's book is recommended reading as a classic study into twins language development.