One-word stage

Definition

The one-word stage is a phase in early language development where children typically around the age of one begin to use single words to express whole ideas or intentions. This stage marks a significant transition from pre-linguistic communication, as infants start to use words meaningfully, often using them in various contexts to convey different meanings depending on tone and situation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The one-word stage typically occurs between 12 and 18 months of age, although this can vary among individual children.
2. During this stage, children often use intonation and context to convey more complex meanings with their single words.
3. Common words used during the one-word stage include names for familiar people, objects, and basic verbs or actions.
4. Children may also exhibit overextension during this stage, applying a word too broadly based on their experiences, like calling all four-legged animals 'dog.'
5. The one-word stage is crucial for setting the foundation for later language development and more complex sentence structures.

Review Questions

• How does the one-word stage serve as a foundation for later language development in children?
  • The one-word stage is essential because it introduces children to the concept of using words as tools for communication. By expressing whole ideas with single words, children learn the connection between sounds and meanings, which sets the groundwork for combining words into more complex structures later on. This initial phase fosters linguistic creativity and helps them understand how to navigate conversations as they progress toward the two-word stage.
• What are some common characteristics of the one-word stage that differentiate it from earlier stages of communication in infants?
  • In contrast to earlier pre-linguistic stages where infants primarily rely on gestures and cries, the one-word stage showcases children's ability to use single words meaningfully. Characteristics of this stage include the use of holophrases, where one word conveys a full idea, and varied intonation that can change the word's meaning based on context. This signifies an important shift towards more intentional communication compared to mere expression of needs or emotions.
• Evaluate the implications of the one-word stage on theories of first language acquisition regarding innate versus learned aspects of language.
  • The one-word stage raises interesting questions about whether language acquisition is primarily an innate ability or a learned skill. On one hand, some theorists argue that the rapid emergence of this stage suggests an inherent capacity for language learning, supporting nativist perspectives. On the other hand, the variation in vocabulary and timing among children implies that environmental factors and social interactions significantly influence language development, aligning with constructivist views. The interplay between these innate abilities and learned behaviors during the one-word stage continues to fuel debate in linguistic studies.

Related terms

holophrase: A single word used by a child that represents a complete idea or phrase, such as 'milk' to mean 'I want milk.'

two-word stage:

The next phase of language development after the one-word stage where children start combining two words to create simple sentences, like 'want cookie' or 'go park.'

critical period: A specific time frame in early development when the human brain is particularly receptive to acquiring language skills.