Which stage is the first language acquisition stage in which infants pay attention to speech before speaking, with distress vocalizations?

Which stage is the first language acquisition stage in which infants pay attention to speech before speaking, with distress vocalizations?

• A. Pre-speech stage
• B. One-word stage
• C. Two-word stage
• D. Babbling stage

Answer: (A)

This is the pre-speech stage. In the very early months, babies don’t produce words yet, but they are highly attuned to speech around them. They listen to voices, track sounds, and respond to rhythm and intonation. Their vocalizations at this time are reflexive or distress-based, like crying or fussing, rather than intentional words. This stage sets the foundation for later language development, as infants increasingly notice and process language before they start speaking. The next stages involve actual sound production and then, gradually, word use, so babbling marks the beginnings of vocal experimentation, followed by the first words in later stages.

This is the pre-speech stage. In the very early months, babies don’t produce words yet, but they are highly attuned to speech around them. They listen to voices, track sounds, and respond to rhythm and intonation. Their vocalizations at this time are reflexive or distress-based, like crying or fussing, rather than intentional words. This stage sets the foundation for later language development, as infants increasingly notice and process language before they start speaking. The next stages involve actual sound production and then, gradually, word use, so babbling marks the beginnings of vocal experimentation, followed by the first words in later stages.