What is typical speech and language development?

AT age three, Aisha has yet to use any meaningful words. She is well cared for and appears generally contented. She browses through books, plays only with her favourite blocks and is happy to gaze at Barney for a good length of time.  

Her parents notice that she appears intelligent, taking in all that happens around her. She follows some instructions well, especially when she is called upon to eat or hop into the car for a ride.  

She frequently points to the TV and says “V” when she wants the TV to be switched on. She could say “juh” for juice, point and say “bird”, “wo wo” for the neighbour’s dog and “no” to things she objected to. 

Her family felt nothing was amiss until relatives remarked on her lack of speech and how she does not play and interact like other children.