What is another term for the second stage of first-language acquisition?

The second stage of first-language acquisition is commonly referred to as the two-word stage. During this period, typically occurring between 18 to 24 months, children begin to combine two words to form simple sentences. This represents a significant advancement in their linguistic ability as they move beyond the single-word utterances characteristic of the previous stage, which is often called the one-word stage or holophrastic stage.

At the two-word stage, children express a variety of meanings using combinations such as "want cookie" or "big truck," showcasing their understanding of how words can be combined to convey more complex ideas. This developmental milestone illustrates not only their growing vocabulary but also their budding grasp of grammar and syntax. The emergence of two-word combinations indicates that children are beginning to understand relationships between objects and actions in their environment, a critical step in their overall language development.