Around age 2, children refer to themselves by name or with a personal pronoun.
a. True
b. False
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is a. True.
Around the age of two, children typically begin to refer to themselves either by their name or with a personal pronoun like “I” or “me.” This is a significant milestone in language development, reflecting an increasing awareness of self-identity and the ability to use language to express this awareness. Early on, toddlers might use their name instead of personal pronouns, a common developmental phase known as the “name reference stage.” For instance, a child might say, “Emily want cookie,” instead of “I want cookie.” This stage is part of the natural progression of language acquisition and typically occurs around the second year of life.
As children grow, they gradually start to understand the concept of personal pronouns and their correct usage in different contexts. By the time they are 2.5 to 3 years old, children usually start using pronouns like “I,” “me,” “you,” and “my” more consistently. This shift indicates their growing cognitive development, particularly their ability to differentiate between themselves and others, which is closely tied to the development of theory of mind—the ability to understand that other people have thoughts, perspectives, and experiences different from one’s own.
The development of self-referencing language is not only a milestone in speech but also plays a role in social interactions and self-concept. It marks the beginning of a more complex understanding of identity and social roles, laying the foundation for more advanced language skills in the coming years. As children’s language skills continue to develop, they will refine their use of personal pronouns and expand their ability to communicate their thoughts and emotions more effectively.