Language development is both a cornerstone of children’s educational attainment and a fundamental right, yet it is increasingly shaped by environmental conditions that are often overlooked in educational and clinical practice. Drawing on research from child development and environmental studies, and using Greece as a case study, this talk argues that environmental degradation – through rural abandonment, urban density, and reduced access to green space – poses a significant but underrecognized threat to children’s language, communication, and educational outcomes. The talk foregrounds the advocacy role of educators and Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs). As professionals working at the intersection of child development, education, and community systems, they are uniquely positioned to identify environmentally mediated inequalities in language opportunities and to respond to them. The talk invites participants to rethink advocacy in education and speech-language therapy as extending beyond the classroom and clinic, towards shaping the environments in which children grow and communicate.
