General Stages of Language Development in Infants

Language Development in Infants

Language development in infants typically progresses through several stages, each characterized by the acquisition of new skills and abilities. Here are the general stages of language development in infants:

1. Pre-linguistic stage (0-12 months): This stage is also known as the pre-linguistic stage, where infants communicate through nonverbal means such as crying, facial expressions, and body language. They begin to make cooing and babbling sounds as they experiment with their vocal cords and develop the muscles required for speech. Around 6 months of age, infants start to recognize their own names and the names of familiar people and objects[1][3][5].
2. Holophrastic or one-word stage (12-24 months): In this stage, infants start using single words to express whole thoughts. They begin to understand the meaning of words and can use them to refer to specific objects or people. For example, a child might say "mama" or "dada" to refer to their mother or father[3][5].
3. Two-word stage (24-30 months): During this stage, children start to combine words to form simple sentences, usually consisting of a noun and a verb. For example, a child might say "Daddy go" to express the idea that their father is leaving[3].
4. Telegraphic stage (30 months onwards): In this stage, children begin to form more complex sentences, although these sentences often lack function words and only include the most essential words. For example, a child might say "me want cookie" instead of "I want a cookie"[3].
5. Language explosion stage (around age 3): This stage is characterized by a rapid acquisition of new vocabulary and grammatical structures. Children become more adept at expressing complex ideas and emotions through language. They may begin to ask questions and use language for problem-solving and negotiation[3].
6. School-age stage (around age 5): This stage begins when children start to refine their language skills and learn more complex grammar rules. They become more proficient in using language for various purposes, including expressing thoughts, sharing information, and social interaction[3].

It's important to note that these stages are not set in stone and can overlap or vary depending on individual differences and environmental factors. Additionally, children who are exposed to multiple languages may follow a different pattern of language development[3].

Citations:
[1] https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/stages-of-language-development
[2] https://web.mnstate.edu/houtsli/tesl551/LangAcq/page1.htm
[3] https://www.peptalkradio.com/stages-of-language-development/
[4] https://study.com/learn/lesson/stages-language-development-overview-chart.html
[5] https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/development/language-development/language-3-12-months
[6] https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/speech-and-language
[7] https://childdevelopment.com.au/resources/child-development-charts/stages-of-language-development-chart/