Language retardation, also known as language delay or language impairment, is a condition in which a child's language development is significantly behind that of their peers. This can manifest as difficulty with speech sounds, vocabulary, grammar, or understanding and using language in social situations. Language retardation can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences, or neurological conditions. Early intervention and therapy can help children with language retardation improve their communication skills and catch up to their peers.