NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

What action characterizes the Babbling Stage in language acquisition?

1. Linguistic comprehension

2. Controlling voice pitch

3. Using words to communicate

4. Forming complete sentences

The correct answer is: Controlling voice pitch

The Babbling Stage in language acquisition is primarily characterized by the experimentation with sounds, which includes the controlling of voice pitch. During this stage, which typically occurs between six to twelve months of age, infants begin to produce repetitive consonant-vowel combinations such as "ba-ba" or "da-da." This not only helps them explore the sounds of their language but also allows them to experiment with the modulation of their vocalizations, including pitch and tone. At this early developmental stage, babies are actively engaging in vocal play, which is crucial for their later speech development. While linguistic comprehension develops concurrently, the hallmark of the Babbling Stage is sound production rather than understanding or using actual words for communication. This means the focus is on the control and variety of sounds rather than their meaning or structure in sentences. Thus, the action of controlling voice pitch captures the essence of this exploratory phase in language acquisition.