The multi-word stage in child language development is a crucial phase where children, typically around two years old, transition from simple to more complex sentence structures. They begin to grasp grammatical rules and syntax, leading to an expanding vocabulary and the ability to form questions and negative sentences. This stage is marked by significant advancements in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, with children eventually mastering language to a level comparable to adult native speakers.
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Children begin to combine words into longer phrases and sentences, demonstrating an understanding of grammatical rules and syntax
Children's vocabulary grows exponentially during this stage, demonstrating a more sophisticated understanding of phonology, semantics, and syntax
The early multi-word stage spans from approximately 24 to 30 months, while the later stage extends beyond 30 months as children's language skills continue to develop throughout their lives
Children start to employ a broader array of morphemes and construct sentences that go beyond the simple subject-verb-object structure
Pronunciation improves during this period, with children articulating a wider range of vowel and consonant sounds more accurately, reflecting the ongoing development of their speech organs
Children are still learning the appropriate use of articles, prepositions, and auxiliary verbs during this stage
In the later multi-word stage, children's language abilities approach those of a native speaker as they consistently use function words and apply complex grammatical structures
This stage involves mastering the use of determiners, prepositions, and verb inflections
Vocabulary growth is exponential during this stage, demonstrating a more sophisticated understanding of phonology, semantics, and syntax
Research has shown that children acquire morphemes in a somewhat predictable order, typically between the ages of two and four
The 'WUG' test provided evidence that children's language acquisition involves the internalization of linguistic rules, as they were able to apply pluralization rules to a novel, made-up word
Pronunciation errors typically resolve naturally by the age of six or seven as children's articulatory mechanisms mature, resulting in clearer and more accurate speech
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The early period of the multi-word stage in child language development typically lasts from 24 to ______ months.
30
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Early multi-word stage vs telegraphic speech
Transition phase; children use more morphemes, not just omitting function words like in telegraphic speech.
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Sentence structure development in early multi-word stage
Children form complex sentences, moving beyond simple subject-verb-object constructs.
