In the context of language development, what is typically not prioritized in the early stages?

In the early stages of language development, the focus is primarily on facilitating communication, understanding, and engagement rather than on technical correctness. Children are encouraged to express themselves, make connections, and interact with others, which fosters their overall language skills. While constructing meaning and engaging in language use are essential components of language acquisition, technical correctness tends to take a backseat at this foundational stage.

Children often prioritize the message and their ability to convey it, even if their grammar and pronunciation are not fully accurate. This approach allows them to experiment with language, practice new vocabulary, and develop their conversational abilities without the pressure of being perfectly correct. Sound structure manipulation, while important, is generally part of a natural progression in language development that comes after the more intuitive uses of language have been established. Thus, technical correctness is not prioritized during the early phases, aligning with the understanding that fostering communication and meaning is key to supporting a child's language growth.