What is the term for the stage when children use meaningful utterances that consist of two words?

The phase characterized by children using meaningful two-word utterances is known as the Early Linguistic Period. This stage typically occurs around the age of 18 to 24 months when children begin to combine words to form simple sentences, conveying more complex ideas than they could with single-word utterances. Two-word combinations often reflect relationships, such as a noun and a verb (e.g., "want cookie") or a noun and a descriptor (e.g., "big truck").

This period marks a significant milestone in language development, as it indicates that the child has acquired a more substantial vocabulary and an understanding of grammar. The ability to produce two-word phrases signifies emerging symbolic thinking, allowing the child to express needs more clearly and engage in more complex interactions with caregivers and peers. Consequently, this stage is crucial for the development of more sophisticated language skills in the future.