In language development, the earliest stage of speech development is called the ________ stage.

• A. one-word
• B. babbling
• C. telegraphic
• D. two-word

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that language development in children occurs in distinct stages, each characterized by different types of vocalizations and speech patterns.
2. Identify the earliest stage of speech development, which involves producing repetitive consonant-vowel sounds like 'ba-ba' or 'da-da'.
3. Recall that this stage is known as the 'babbling' stage, where infants experiment with sounds but do not yet form actual words.
4. Differentiate this from later stages such as the 'one-word' stage, where children start using single words with meaning, and the 'two-word' or 'telegraphic' stages, where children combine words.
5. Conclude that the correct term for the earliest stage of speech development is the 'babbling' stage.