Why Study Language and Theory of Mind?

Abstract This Introductory chapter sets out to do five things that, taken together, constitute a framework for the book. First, the chapter articulates a rationale for the widespread empirical interest in the relationship between language and theory of mind (ToM). Second, it introduces the major themes and questions in the ToM-language field. Third, the chapter briefly overviews the multifaceted nature of both the language and ToM constructs and the challenges that those complexities pose for research in the field. Fourth, the chapter presents historical background that instigated research in the field. Lastly, it culminates with a brief discussion of the central question of the book: What do theory and research reveal about a causal role for language in the development of children’s ToM?