An 18‑month‑old says 'Want puppy!' when pointing at a dog. This is an example of which speech stage?

An 18‑month‑old says 'Want puppy!' when pointing at a dog. This is an example of which speech stage?

• A. Holophrastic speech
• B. Receptive speech
• C. Semantic speech
• D. Telegraphic speech

Answer: (D)

Telegraphic speech is when a child two words together to convey a simple message, dropping nonessential words like articles and auxiliary verbs. At about 18 months, kids often say two content words that carry the main meaning, such as “Want puppy,” to express a desire. The phrase uses two content words without extra grammar, which fits the telegraphic stage. Holophrase would be a single word standing for a whole sentence, and receptive speech is understanding language rather than producing two-word utterances. This pattern shows typical two-word combinations and simplified grammar characteristic of telegraphic speech.

Telegraphic speech is when a child two words together to convey a simple message, dropping nonessential words like articles and auxiliary verbs. At about 18 months, kids often say two content words that carry the main meaning, such as “Want puppy,” to express a desire. The phrase uses two content words without extra grammar, which fits the telegraphic stage. Holophrase would be a single word standing for a whole sentence, and receptive speech is understanding language rather than producing two-word utterances. This pattern shows typical two-word combinations and simplified grammar characteristic of telegraphic speech.