What is the typical age range for a child to develop language skills?

The typical age range for a child to develop language skills focuses primarily on the significant milestones that occur between 1 to 3 years. During this period, children undergo rapid language development, marked by the transition from single words to simple sentences.

By around 12 to 15 months, many children start saying their first words, and between 18 to 24 months, they may begin to combine words into two-word phrases, such as "more juice" or "go car." This two-word stage is crucial as it indicates the child’s understanding of grammar and syntax.

From 2 to 3 years, there's usually a substantial increase in vocabulary—often exceeding 200 words—and children begin to form more complex sentences. They typically can follow simple instructions and can engage in basic conversations.

While language development does continue beyond this age range, the foundational skills most clearly emerge during the 1 to 3 years timeframe, making it the most critical period for developing these important communication skills.