preverbalization

Preverbalization refers to the set of communicative behaviors that occur before the onset of spoken language. In psychology and linguistics, preverbal communication includes vocalizations such as crying, cooing, laughter, and babbling, as well as nonverbal means like eye contact, facial expressions, gestures (reaching, pointing, waving), body posture, and gaze. These channels allow infants and other prelinguistic communicators to express needs, emotions, or intentions and to engage with caregivers.

During infancy, preverbal behavior typically evolves from reflexive sounds and distress cries toward more purposeful vocalizations and intentional gestures. Cooing and laughter appear in the first months; canonical or reduplicated babbling emerges around 6–10 months, followed by more varied babble and gesture use. Joint attention and gesture–speech coordination lay the groundwork for later language.

Cognitive and linguistic aspects of preverbal development include receptive understanding that often precedes production. Infants commonly comprehend words, commands, and social cues before they can articulate first words; by about 12 months many children begin to produce their first words, marking a transition from preverbal to verbal communication. In some contexts, preverbal communication continues to be important for individuals using sign languages or gestural systems, where signs can serve as linguistic precursors or parallel means of expression.

Clinically, preverbal skills are monitored as indicators of typical development. Delays or disruptions in early vocalization, gesture use, or joint attention can signal developmental concerns and may prompt early intervention or supportive communication strategies for caregivers. See also: language development, babbling, nonverbal communication, joint attention, early childhood development.