Which statement about early language development is most accurate?

Which statement about early language development is most accurate?

• A. Expressive language develops before receptive
• B. Receptive language competence precedes expressive
• C. They develop simultaneously
• D. Expressive language is independent of receptive

Answer: (B)

Receptive language tends to develop before expressive language. Infants and toddlers usually understand more words and social cues than they can verbally produce. They follow simple directions, identify familiar people and objects, and comprehend routines well before they start saying words or putting words together. As their understanding grows, their expressive vocabulary and grammar begin to emerge and accelerate, showing the typical sequence where comprehension leads production. The idea that expressive language comes first or that receptive and expressive develop independently doesn’t match what we observe, since comprehension supports and enables expressive use of language.

Receptive language tends to develop before expressive language. Infants and toddlers usually understand more words and social cues than they can verbally produce. They follow simple directions, identify familiar people and objects, and comprehend routines well before they start saying words or putting words together. As their understanding grows, their expressive vocabulary and grammar begin to emerge and accelerate, showing the typical sequence where comprehension leads production. The idea that expressive language comes first or that receptive and expressive develop independently doesn’t match what we observe, since comprehension supports and enables expressive use of language.