Which term describes the tendency of children to extend a word's meaning beyond its typical referents (for example, calling many things 'hat')?

Which term describes the tendency of children to extend a word's meaning beyond its typical referents (for example, calling many things 'hat')?

• A. Overextending Words
• B. Fast Mapping
• C. Holophrase
• D. Telegraphic Speech

Answer: (A)

Overextension is a normal pattern in early language development where a child uses a word to refer to a broader set of objects than adults would. When a child learns the word hat and begins calling many different things—helmets, bowl shapes, or sun hats—“hat,” they’re extending the term beyond its typical referents. This happens because their vocabulary is still growing and they’re grouping objects into loose categories based on features like shape or function, not yet on precise labels. As their experience expands, their word meanings become more refined. Fast mapping is about quickly linking a new word to its referent after a single exposure, not about broadening a term’s meaning. Holophrase refers to a single word that conveys a larger idea or sentence meaning. Telegraphic speech describes short, two-word or minimal sentences.

Overextension is a normal pattern in early language development where a child uses a word to refer to a broader set of objects than adults would. When a child learns the word hat and begins calling many different things—helmets, bowl shapes, or sun hats—“hat,” they’re extending the term beyond its typical referents. This happens because their vocabulary is still growing and they’re grouping objects into loose categories based on features like shape or function, not yet on precise labels. As their experience expands, their word meanings become more refined.

Fast mapping is about quickly linking a new word to its referent after a single exposure, not about broadening a term’s meaning. Holophrase refers to a single word that conveys a larger idea or sentence meaning. Telegraphic speech describes short, two-word or minimal sentences.