Preverbal is an adjective that pertains to the stage or period prior to the development of speech or language. It refers to the time when an individual has not yet acquired the ability to express themselves verbally.
In the context of child development, preverbal refers to the early period in an infant's life, typically from birth to around 12 months, when they have not yet started to produce meaningful words or sentences. During this stage, infants rely on nonverbal forms of communication, such as crying, facial expressions, body movements, and gestures, to interact with their environment and communicate their needs and emotions.
Preverbal gestures and cues, like pointing, reaching, and eye-contact, serve as critical ways for infants to establish connections with their caregivers and convey their desires, preferences, and discomfort. These nonverbal communication skills are integral in building the foundation for language acquisition as they lay the groundwork for understanding and producing words and phrases.
Preverbal communication is not limited to infants, as it also encompasses individuals who are unable to speak due to various reasons, such as physical or cognitive impairments. In these cases, preverbal individuals may rely on nonverbal methods like sign language, assistive devices, or alternative communication systems to express themselves effectively.
In summary, the term preverbal refers to the stage before the development of verbal language, when individuals rely on nonverbal means to communicate and interact with their surroundings.
