What characterizes the vocabulary explosion in early childhood?

The vocabulary explosion in early childhood is characterized by a dramatic increase in word learning around the age of 18 months. During this period, children experience a significant acceleration in their language development. They transition from using single words to combining them into simple phrases and sentences. This growth can be attributed to cognitive development, increased social interactions, and exposure to language, both in conversations and through media.

This dramatic increase often involves children learning new words at an astonishing rate, sometimes acquiring several new words each day. It marks a critical phase in their cognitive and communicative abilities, allowing them to express their thoughts, needs, and emotions more effectively. This phase sets the foundation for later language skills and literacy development.

The incorrect options describe situations that do not align with the typical trajectory of language acquisition observed during this crucial developmental stage. For example, a rapid decline in word usage or stagnation would not occur during a vocabulary explosion; rather, these suggest a lack of growth that is contrary to what is expected around 18 months of age. Similarly, consistently using a limited vocabulary would not capture the essence of this phase in language development.