California Teacher Credentialing Examination (CSET) Practice Test

The sounds "MA MA" and "DA DA" are characteristic of the babbling stage in infant language development. This stage typically occurs between approximately 4 to 6 months and continues until around 12 months. During this period, infants begin to produce repeated consonant-vowel combinations, which are often referred to as canonical babbling. These sounds are critical as they mark a significant step towards developing more complex speech and language skills.

Infants do not yet attach meaning to these utterances; rather, they are experimenting with the sounds they can make. This phase is crucial for laying the groundwork for later language acquisition as it helps them explore the phonetic structures of their native language. The babbling stage also facilitates interaction with caregivers, who may respond to these sounds, further enhancing the infant’s communication skills.