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Telegraphic speech is characterized by the use of simplified, two-word sentences that convey essential meanings while omitting less critical words, much like a telegram. For example, a two-year-old might say "want cookie" instead of a more complex sentence like "I want a cookie." This form of speech is a natural developmental stage for toddlers as they begin to combine words and express their desires or needs.

This speech pattern is important because it highlights the child's emerging linguistic abilities. It reflects their growing understanding of syntax and the ability to convey meaning without using full grammatical structures. Telegraphic speech typically appears as children are refining their verbal skills and starting to communicate more effectively with those around them.

While other options like holophrase and child-directed speech may also involve simplified language, only telegraphic speech specifically refers to the two-word combinations characteristic of this developmental stage.