Lexis (CLA)

• First words are at approx. 12mths
• Will already have undergone phonemic contraction.
• Initially will use proto-words - an invented word used with a cnsistent meaning, effective with those close to the child, but less effective with other (forcing the child to learn the language in order to communicate) 
• Need to learnt the semantics at the same time.
• Holophrases - single words expressing a whole idea - develop alongside or after proto-words. 

• 12mths - 50 words
• 24 mths - 200 words
• 36 mths - 2000 words 

(All approximations)

• Largely contains 'content words' - words which have an independent dictionary definition.
• 'Function words' will develop later - words which express a grammatical relationship. They are more complex for a child to understand and use correctly.

• Identified 4 categories for first words. 
  •  
    • Nouns (for things or people) 60%
    • Actions/events
    • Describing/modifying things
    • Personal/social words 8%