Which developmental milestone typically precedes a child’s first word usage?

The milestone that typically precedes a child’s first word usage is pointing at objects. This behavior is significant because it indicates that the child is beginning to develop communication skills and an understanding of the world around them. Pointing serves as a non-verbal form of communication that shows a child’s intent to share their interest or direct the attention of others to a specific object or event. This ability often arises around the age when children are transitioning into talking, around 10 to 12 months.

By pointing, children express their thoughts and needs even before they have the vocabulary to articulate them. This gesture is crucial as it reflects cognitive development, social interaction, and the beginnings of language processing, all of which are foundational for a child's ability to form and use words effectively.

Engaging with objects and their environment through pointing can encourage caregivers to respond verbally, thus facilitating a richer language development process that eventually leads to the child’s first word.