What is the significance of "telegraphic speech" in child language development?

Telegraphic speech is significant in child language development because it represents a critical stage where children begin to combine words into two or three-word phrases that convey essential meanings. This stage usually occurs around 18 to 24 months of age and marks a shift from one-word utterances to more complex forms of communication. During this phase, children focus on the most relevant words—typically nouns and verbs—while omitting less critical elements such as articles and prepositions. This simplification reflects their growing understanding of syntax and the ability to convey thoughts more effectively, even though their grammatical structures may not be fully developed. The use of telegraphic speech illustrates the child's progress toward more advanced language abilities while highlighting their cognitive capacity to prioritize the most meaningful components of their expression.