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For about thirty years, numerous studies have highlighted the associations between language and behavior disorders. However, these data did not provide a complete understanding of the direction of this relationship, or of its determinants. A literature review is proposed, in the absence of synthesis work on the language abilities of preschoolers displaying externalizing behavior. Aimed at gaining a better understanding of this relationship, the authors detail the affected language components and their associated externalizing behaviors. A conceptual framework is also proposed in order to include the effect of other variables inherent to children and their environment in the relationship between language and behavior. Future directions for research and implications for clinicians are also discussed.