Vocabulary Growth in Lexical Categories Between Ages 13 and 24 Months as a Function of the Child’s Sex, Child, and Family Factors

We examined the vocabulary growth of lexical categories in 719 children (age 13–24 months) as part a longitudinal cohort study (the STEPS Study) and found discrepancy how these were affected depending on child’s sex. In girls, attending day care at 24 months age predicted positive sound effects, nouns, people, games routines, compared to girls staying home. Firstborn had greater descriptive function words, contrast those born later. A boy was likely have effects animal sounds, boys not care. family history late onset speech less all boys, except for sounds. Early is importance later language literacy development. Vocabulary an impenetrable entirety but consists various types words (lexical categories) developing different tempos they contribute language. Factors influencing early development been painstakingly studied, fewer factors across categories, let alone whether equal effect both sexes. More knowledge what affects variation needed clinical practice preventive purposes. measured with Finnish version MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory. The child analyzed separately using structural equational modelling. results present indicate that differently by parental second year life, which gives new insights into need consideration work.