Theory of Mind

Abstract This chapter provides an overview of theory of mind (ToM) in childhood in relation to children’s linguistic skills and their sociolinguistic experiences. Findings that implicate a significant role for language in ToM development are introduced throughout the chapter. Facets of language that are introduced in the chapter include (a) complement syntax, (b) participation in conversation, (c) mental state terms about cognition and desire, (d) narrative, and (e) pragmatic language skills. Coverage of the empirical literature on ToM development includes infancy, false belief understanding (FBU) in early childhood, and advanced ToM after age 5. Individual and cultural differences, neural correlates, and theoretical positions are subsumed within the general overview of ToM development. Throughout the chapter, theory and evidence point to a significant connection between language and ToM.