Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
pre-verbal
adjective
EXAMPLES FROM CORPUS
▪ An early start is good as parents can help with the programmes in the home, even at a pre-verbal stage.
▪ Some constructs may reflect pre-verbal bases of organization which can not be accounted for by rational explanation.
▪ Their pointing gestures and vocalisations will be video-recorded to allow detailed analyses to be carried out on the characteristics of pre-verbal communication.