Language development during adolescence may not appear as profound as in previous developmental periods, but there is definite development during this time in grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. As the social aspects of their lives become increasingly important, the social language skills such as conversation, debate, and persuasion become important in social interactions with peers, family members, and any other social exchanges.

13.4.1 Grammar, Syntax, and Vocabulary Development

Syntax during this period becomes increasingly complex as adolescents are more aware of the rules and structure of sentences. The increase in systematic, abstract thinking allows adolescents to comprehend the sorts of higher-order abstract logic inherent in puns, proverbs, metaphors, and analogies. Their increased cognitive abilities allow them to appreciate the ways in which language can be used to convey multiple messages, such as satire, metaphor, and sarcasm. (Children younger than age 9 often cannot comprehend sarcasm at all). This also permits the application of advanced reasoning and logical processes to social and ideological matters such as interpersonal relationships, politics, philosophy, religion, morality, friendship, faith, fairness, and honesty. Adolescents’ vocabulary continues to expand as well during this period. Their expanding metacognition means the use or increase in the use of metacognitive verbs (believe, realize, remember) (Wallis et al., 2022).

13.4.2 Language Development

Grammar, syntax, and vocabulary continue to expand during this time and the ability to use these expanding expressions in social instances is also developing and becoming increasingly important given the shift in social priorities. Pragmatics are one of the key components of language and are important in a social context and further development of social and cognitive skills. Pragmatics are the ability to adapt expression and linguistics in social situations and include behaviors such as making eye contact during a conversation, social greetings, conversation starters, body language, facial expression, and being able to maintain conversation.

13.4.3 Diversity in Language

Adolescence is a period of identity formation and language is a key aspect of identity that we often overlook. Language development goes beyond grammar and syntax to include linguistic styles. Think about how your identity is reinforced by your linguistic style. Further, how might your identity be reinforced by the diversity of languages you speak? For example, if your first language is Xhosa (pronunciation: [kǁʰóːsa]) and not English, then this connection to South Africa or Zimbabwe is reinforced as part of your identity. Diversity in language is important in adolescence as individuals are defining their social identity and often moving away from their parent’s linguistic style or their first language.

13.4.3.1 Culturally specific language

Using a culturally specific language can keep adolescents connected to their first language and the culture of their family’s heritage through meaning-making, however it also can create barriers for adolescents who are a minority in a homogeneous social environment. Meaning-making is influenced by an individual’s culturally specific language in the words available and how they are arranged and used. Language also includes reference to objects specific to a culture, further reinforcing how connected language is to culture, cultural identity, and an adolescent’s identity development. Language can promote positive identity connections for adolescents who are able to share these same connections in their social groups. Adolescent’s may also experience a reorganization of language as they move away from their parent’s language system to one more like their social peer group.

13.4.3.2 Dual language programs

Given the connection between culture and language, dual language programs can positively influence how adolescents learn about another culture. This type of immersion into a language provides a fast-track to cultural knowledge. For dual language, English learners however, there is still a learning curve that is heavily influenced by family, neighborhood, and community (National Academies Press, 2017). The capacity to learn a second language varies greatly in dual language programs given the socioeconomic factors that influence learning capacity in general.