Discuss the three stages into which language acquisition can be divided
Language acquisition can be divided into three main stages: the pre-verbal stage, the one-word stage, and the two-word stage.
1. Pre-verbal stage: In this stage, infants are not yet producing recognizable words but are laying the foundation for language development. During this stage, babies primarily communicate through crying, babbling, and nonverbal gestures. They begin to recognize and respond to familiar sounds and the tones of their caregivers' voices. They also start to understand and produce simple gestures, such as waving "bye-bye" or pointing to objects of interest.
2. One-word stage: This stage typically occurs between the ages of 12 to 18 months, when children begin to produce their first recognizable words. These words are usually nouns, such as "mama," "dada," or "dog," and are used to label objects or people in their environment. Children at this stage may have a limited vocabulary of around 50 words, but they are beginning to understand the concept of language and its impact on communication.
3. Two-word stage: The two-word stage usually occurs around 18 to 24 months of age when children begin to combine words to form simple two-word phrases, such as "more milk," "big dog," or "want ball." While these phrases are still grammatically simple and may lack proper syntax, they demonstrate a growing understanding of language structure and grammar rules. Children at this stage are also starting to use basic grammar rules, such as using verbs and prepositions, to convey more complex thoughts and ideas.
Overall, these three stages represent the gradual progression of language development in young children, from pre-verbal communication to the early formation of basic sentences and phrases. Language acquisition is a complex and ongoing process that continues to evolve as children grow and develop.