Most studies of language acquisition since Chomsky's breakthrough in linguistics have all utilized as a theoretical base various theories of cognitive development out of which words, phrases, and meanings are created. This study attempts to outline the underpinnings of language ontogenetically and to show the role of affective engagements with caretakers.

Some of the prelinguistic aspects of language development are examined in relation to the evolution of language function. The newborn infant engages and terminates visual, kinesthetic, oral, and sound reciprocity with the mother, as shown in the cough-smile game, thus providing the infant a significant measure of control over these reciprocal exchanges. The social smile, modulations thereof, and the face itself become organizers of meaningful vocalization, a focal point around which phonemes emerge from the mutuality of the mother-infant relationship. The evolution and meaning of the pointing gesture as it relates to language functioning and to the stages of separation-individuation is discussed.