What characterizes the first stage of first-language acquisition?

The first stage of first-language acquisition is characterized by repetitive patterns of sound. During this initial stage, often referred to as the babbling stage, infants begin to make a variety of vocalizations that may not yet have specific meanings. This repetition helps infants practice the sounds of their language and develop their vocal cords.

Unlike complex sentences or grammatical structures, which come later in language development, this foundational stage focuses on the exploration of sounds. While simple words and phrases do emerge as language development progresses, the initial focus on repetitive patterns serves as a critical steppingstone towards more complex language use, laying the groundwork for future language acquisition.