What is the expected language development milestone for a 9-month-old child in the near future?

What is the expected language development milestone for a 9-month-old child in the near future?

• A. Use of consistent sound and intonation patterns
• B. Reaching for desired objects
• C. Establishing joint reference with caretakers
• D. Using recognizable words and phrases

Answer: (A)

The expected language development milestone for a 9-month-old child includes the use of consistent sound and intonation patterns. At this age, infants are beginning to engage more actively in vocal play. They start to use a variety of sounds and can demonstrate familiarity with certain intonations or speech patterns that may be reflective of the language they are hearing from caregivers. This stage of development helps lay the foundation for speech and communication as children begin to experiment with the sounds that will form the basis of their spoken language. In contrast, the other milestones mentioned occur either later in development or are not primarily language-focused. For instance, reaching for desired objects is more aligned with physical and motor development rather than language. Establishing joint reference, which involves sharing attention and interest in an object or event with another person, typically develops around 10 to 12 months, slightly beyond what is expected at 9 months. The use of recognizable words and phrases generally emerges around the 12-month mark. Therefore, at 9 months, the focus is on the initial sounds and patterns rather than forming words or phrases.

The expected language development milestone for a 9-month-old child includes the use of consistent sound and intonation patterns. At this age, infants are beginning to engage more actively in vocal play. They start to use a variety of sounds and can demonstrate familiarity with certain intonations or speech patterns that may be reflective of the language they are hearing from caregivers. This stage of development helps lay the foundation for speech and communication as children begin to experiment with the sounds that will form the basis of their spoken language.

In contrast, the other milestones mentioned occur either later in development or are not primarily language-focused. For instance, reaching for desired objects is more aligned with physical and motor development rather than language. Establishing joint reference, which involves sharing attention and interest in an object or event with another person, typically develops around 10 to 12 months, slightly beyond what is expected at 9 months. The use of recognizable words and phrases generally emerges around the 12-month mark. Therefore, at 9 months, the focus is on the initial sounds and patterns rather than forming words or phrases.