Language

Language is considered to be a system of communicating with other people by using sounds, symbols and words in expressing a meaning, idea or thought. Language can be used in many forms, including oral and written communications and expressions through body language. Language can be broken down into three parts: expressive language, receptive language and pragmatic (social) language.

Expressive Language is the ability to express oneself. This usually refers to language expression through speech, but it also includes gestures, sign language, use of a communication board, written language and other forms of expression used to communicate with others.

An Individual with expressive language problems may:

• Have limited vocabulary skills
• Have deficits in expressive grammar (i.e. use of plurals, verbs, pronouns…)
• Have difficulty with forming clear thought and complete sentences

Receptive Language is the ability to comprehend information both through spoken and written form. It may include understanding of vocabulary, concepts and oral directions as well as an individual's ability to listen to and recall information, sequence information, and recall information from text.

An Individual with a receptive language problem may:

• Have difficulty following directions
• Have decreased comprehension of "yes/no" and "wh" questions
• Have limited understanding of vocabulary,
• Have poor understanding of grammatical markers (i.e. verb tenses, possessives) and syntax, and difficulty attending to spoken language.

Click here for information on developmental receptive and expressive language milestones.

Pragmatic Language refers to the rules of social language that encompass using appropriate language, changing language to meet the needs of the listener and following rules for conversation and storytelling. Please click here for more information on pragmatic language skills.