Syntax Speech

Syntax speech is when a language speaker exhibits not only a knowledge of the words, but an understanding of word order that makes speech meaningful and understandable. This is an important milestone in language skills development: the understanding of how to manipulate grammar and vocabulary to make one's self understood.

When children first start using language they will use single words to indicate their needs or wants. These are called holophrases. This is followed by short sentences. At this point language use is very concrete and straightforward. Starting about age 3 language use starts to become more sophisticated with a child starting to seek information and ask questions rather than making statements. For instance, when a child changes from saying "Want blanket" to "Where is my blanket?"