This is dodging things by all being symbolic. Which is well after the point my kids are at in these examples. I'm taking about my one year old.

It is amazing how they can understand well before they can say words. Or read and write them. Sign language can be taught really early. Not sure what data that adds here.

But, I believe that imperative makes sense because so much in life is imperative. Especially directions we give each other.

For things that can be done symbolically, declarative can be a big boon. But it does seem to be the minority.