What is suggested by the term "lexical growth" in relation to pretend play?

The term "lexical growth" in relation to pretend play refers to the expansion of a child's vocabulary as they engage in imaginative scenarios and role-playing. During pretend play, children often incorporate new words and concepts they have encountered in their interactions with others, as well as words they hear in stories, conversations, and various contexts. This playful engagement helps reinforce language use, promotes vocabulary acquisition, and allows children to experiment with language in meaningful ways.

As they create narratives and take on different roles, children learn to express themselves more richly, which contributes significantly to their overall language development. This social interaction also aids in understanding contextual language use, enhancing their communicative competence. Therefore, the idea that children expand their vocabulary through interaction encapsulates the essence of how pretend play contributes to their lexical growth.