1) first stage: sounds - crying = first act of communication - also coos and gurgles (being around 2nd month) 2) second stage = babbling - allows baby to practice making sounds - can distinguish sounds of any language (universal adaptability) - ability disappears after 1 year old - preverbal communication: communicating with parents (listening, smiles) - parents' tones are melodic 3) third stage: one-word stage -"hi" and "bye" - relationships between objects and actions ("ball" to mean "throw it" or "get it") -relationships between objects ("fishy!" when pointing to an empty fish tank) -relationships meant to affect events ("again" or "more" when playing) 4) fourth stage: two-word stage - locating and naming, demanding and desiring, describing, questioning, modifying 5) fifth stage: telegraphic stage - form simple sentences  - lack plurals, articles, and tenses