Lexical and Semantic Development

Lexical and semantic development describes how children build their vocabulary (lexis) and learn the meanings (semantics) of words. From the first tentative words around age 12 months to the vocabulary explosion that follows, lexical development is one of the most visible and dramatic aspects of language acquisition.

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First Words and the Holophrastic Stage

Children typically produce their first recognisable words around 12 months of age, though there is considerable individual variation (some children produce words as early as 9 months, others not until 18 months).

The period from roughly 12–18 months is known as the holophrastic stage — children use single words to convey the meaning of an entire sentence.

Key Definition: Holophrastic stage — the period (approximately 12–18 months) in which children use single words (holophrases) to express complex meanings that would require a whole sentence in adult language. For example, "milk" might mean "I want some milk" or "I've spilled the milk", depending on context.

Examples of Holophrases