1. A method of supporting language development comprising: capturing sound in a natural language environment; developing a sound signal from the captured sound, wherein the sound signal comprises components representing one or more features that affect a language development environment; analyzing the sound signal to determine at least one characteristic of the language development environment, wherein at least one characteristic indicates a qualitative or quantitative assessment of the one or more features; comparing the determined characteristic to a preselected standard or change over time; and reporting results.