At what point does a child start to use language as their main communication method?

A child typically begins to use language as their main communication method around eighteen months of age. At this stage, many children start to produce their first words and can use simple phrases, allowing them to express their needs, wants, and feelings more effectively. This marks a significant milestone in their language development, as they transition from reliance on non-verbal forms of communication, such as gestures and expressions, to verbal language.

Before eighteen months, children may communicate through babbling, cooing, and early vocalizations, while also using gestures like pointing or reaching. Although they may understand some words, their ability to convey information fully through language is limited. By the time they reach eighteen months, their vocabulary begins to expand, and they can form basic sentences, which helps them interact more meaningfully with peers and adults. This period is crucial for their cognitive and social development, as language is essential for expressing thoughts and building relationships.

In contrast, at six months and one year, children are still primarily relying on non-verbal cues and have not yet developed a robust vocabulary to communicate verbally. By three years, their language use is much more advanced, but it’s at eighteen months that the shift towards using language as a primary means of communication starts