esikieli

Esikieli is a term used in Finnish linguistics to denote the pre-linguistic stage of language development or a hypothetical proto-language that precedes a mature language system. The word combines esi- meaning “pre” or “before” with kieli meaning “language.” In scholarly use, esikieli describes early forms of communication that precede fully developed grammar and vocabulary, including both gestural and vocal elements.

The esikieli concept covers a range of phenomena observed in early human communication and child language development. Typical features often discussed include intentional gestures, babbling, cooing, and the emergence of early word-like forms. Researchers examine how these early systems function to convey meaning, how they become conventionalized within a community or individual learner, and how they transition toward recognizable linguistic structure such as words and basic syntax. Esikieli is also used in discussions about how languages may emerge or change over time, offering a framework for thinking about the steps from nonverbal communication to complex grammar.

In practice, esikieli serves as a theoretical lens rather than a single empirical stage. Some scholars treat it as a distinct transitional phase with limited syntax, while others view it as a broader set of preparatory communication strategies that feed into later linguistic development. The concept is applied across fields such as child language acquisition, speech pathology, and historical linguistics to explore early communication, language disorders, and the origins of linguistic systems.

See also: proto-language, prelinguistic stage, child language development, language emergence.