Language development begins at birth as infants respond to sound, cry to express hunger or discomfort, and experience communication from caregivers through gestures, lullabies and speech. By 31 months of age, children know how to communicate thoughts, needs and feelings using speech and gestures. The most concentrated period of language development takes place in a child's first three years, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD).
Significance
Language development refers to meaningful comprehension and expression of information, and includes verbal and written communication, as well as gestures, according to Kids Heath, a publication of the Nemours Foundation. Normal speech and language development depend on exposure to diverse sounds, sights and communication during the first three years, according to the NIDCD. During the first 36 months, when babies' brains are developing and maturing, they can learn and absorb any language.
Identification
Developmental milestones provide a guideline for measuring normal progress in language development. Variances in the rate at which children reach language milestones is normal, although the sequence for mastering skills is generally a fixed indicator of healthy development, according to the NIDCD. Language milestones include progression in speech, as well as comprehension of spatial concepts, expression of feelings and evidence of learning basic grammar concepts.
Features
A 31-month-old's language development should reflect the developmental markers for children two to three years of age. Children in this age bracket comprehend a few spatial concepts such as "in" and "on," use pronouns and descriptive words, respond verbally to simple questions and have a vocabulary of 250 to 900 words, according to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. At this age, children form three-word sentences, sometimes omit the ending sounds of words, begin to use inflection when asking questions and start to use plurals and past tense verbs.
Promotion
Promoting healthy language development for your 31-month-old starts with positive communication. Talk with your toddler during routine activities, expose your toddler to a variety of music genres and give him opportunities to help by providing simple directions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends singing rhyming songs with your child and establishing a routine reading time. Make sure your child has access to books during independent play as well, because exposure to print and pictures is also important for healthy language development.
Considerations
Consult with your child's pediatrician if you suspect a developmental delay. Your doctor may refer your child to a speech-language pathologist for further evaluation and treatment. Delays in language development could indicate a disorder related to speech, language or swallowing, or point to hearing impairment, according to the NIDCD. A speech-language pathologist can offer activity suggestions to stimulate language development, recommend and carry out a treatment program, and/or refer you to specialists trained to treat specific disorders or health issues.
References
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: Speech and Language
- Kids Health: Delayed Speech or Language Development
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: Milestones in Your Child's Speech and Language Development
- Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh: Age Appropriate Speech and Language Milestones
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Child Development
