Conclusion
This chapter reviews the phases of early phonological and lexical development, based on the analyses of early words and prosodic structures (Chs. 3, 4), templatic patterns (Chs. 3, 5, 6), and the replacement of templates by more adult-like forms (Ch. 6). The role of memory in the process of template formation is discussed, contrasting the template model of lexical development with other theoretical approaches. The emergence of system-building is then related to the discussion (Ch. 1) of current studies in adult word learning and the distinction between lexical configuration and lexical engagement. In a brief account of current models of phonological development particular attention is given to the recently disseminated A-map model, which emphasizes accuracy and child-to-adult continuity within an Optimality Theoretic perspective. In a concluding section the function of adult and child templates is discussed again, highlighting the similarities observed in our data analyses (Ch. 8).