Final answer:
Engaging in language use strengthens neural pathways in babies, which is part of the neuroconstructivist process in brain and cognitive development.
Step-by-step explanation:
With regard to brain development, as babies engage in language use, what happens is D. Neural pathways are strengthened. This occurs because language acquisition and use stimulate the brain, encouraging the growth and strengthening of neural connections.
Babies begin from a very early age to develop language and communication skills, recognizing their mother's voice and showing preferences for synchronized audiovisual language cues. As they engage in language learning, a process of neuroconstructivism happens: experiences a child encounters impact the development of neural pathways in response to the environment.
This interplay between neural and cognitive networks supports the overall development of the brain and cognition, strengthening the efficiency of information processing as mirrored in enhanced lateralization and more complex neural networks over time.