What term describes the period before a child says their first meaningful words, characterized by non-verbal communication?

• A. Expressive speech
• B. Prelinguistic speech
• C. Babbling
• D. Receptive language

Answer: (B)

Before a child says their first meaningful words, communication is nonverbal and includes gestures, eye contact, sharing attention, and early vocalizations like cooing and babbling. This whole period is called prelinguistic speech. It shows how a child conveys intent without words and lays the groundwork for later language. Expressive speech refers to using spoken words to express meaning, which begins after words appear, while receptive language is about understanding what others say, often developing before expressive speech. Babbling is part of the prelinguistic stage, reflecting exploration of sounds, but the broader term for the entire period is prelinguistic speech.