Hi,
page 298 of this book explains the holistic benefits to children's development.
Quote:
Language plays an important part in children's holistic learning and development in a variety of ways. This is why it is a prime area in the Early Years Foundation Stage and why settings will spend time assessing and monitoring children's progress within this area.
It goes on to explore the importance of language and communication in their cognitive development and memory, reading and writing, behaviour, social development and play.
This thread may help further
https://www.silkysteps.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20989
Hope this helps