The correct answer is - the preparatory stage.
Explanation:
The preparatory stage that starts from birth and lasts up to about the age of the two. The preparatory stage is a stage in which children start imitating or mimic the people around them especially the family members.
As the children grow old, they adapt or learn using the symbols that include words and gestures that are the foundation of communication in humans.
Thus, the correct answer is - the preparatory stage.