Language Development
Without proper instruction, most children learn how to use language early in life. However, children do not learn only by imitating people around them. We know that children apply linguistic rules on their own because they use forms that adults never use, such as "we goed to the playground." They will eventually learn the standard form, went, as they sort out English syntax errors. Just like learning to walk, learning to talk requires some time for development and practice in everyday life.
So, when do children develop the abilities to talk? Usually, children say their first words between 1 to 1½ years. They start using complete sentences by 4 to 4½ years. Children know most of the fundamentals of language by the time they start kindergarten so they are able to converse easily with others. Language acquisition is not predictable. One child might say their first word at 1 year, another at 2 years. One may possibly use complete sentences at 3½ years, others at 5 years.
A two-year-old child understands almost everything you say, and can speak quickly with about a 100-word vocabulary. During this year they child will advance to sentences with almost five words, beginning with pronouns and understand possession. For example, "my cup," or "hey, that's mine."
Parents should try not to measure their child's vocabulary against other children. There is a strong variation in a child's language development at this age. Some develop these skills at a constant rate, while others develop it at a sporadic rate. Some children are also quieter than others. This does not mean that they are not as smart as the more talkative kids, the quieter ones may know just as many words as the talkers, but are shy about using them. Girls usually start talking before boys, but will usually even out by the time they reach first grade.
A child will understand the basic rules of language before first grade just by listening and speaking, without any...
Please login to view the full essay...