At what age do children typically start to comprehend and utilize language effectively for social interactions?

At around 3 years old, children typically begin to understand and use language more effectively for social interactions. This developmental stage is characterized by significant advances in language acquisition. By this age, children generally can form simple sentences, ask questions, and engage in basic conversations with peers and adults. They start to understand the nuances of conversation, such as taking turns in speaking and responding appropriately to social cues.

This period marks a shift from primarily knowing single words and simple phrases to using language as a tool for expressing needs, sharing thoughts, and participating in social play. It reflects their cognitive growth and increasing ability to comprehend the social rules governing interactions, making it a crucial milestone in early childhood language development.