Understanding Language Skills

Language

Language consists of the words we choose to use to share ideas, feelings and advocate for what we want or need.  Language often involves words and symbols and can be spoken, signed and/or written in order to communicate with each other.

Receptive Language 

Receptive language is the way we understand language.  This may include our understanding of basic concepts, following directions, identifying vocabulary and objects, comprehending spoken conversations or text from stories and responding to questions.  

Expressive Language  

Expressive language is the language that we produce using nonverbal and spoken language.  It includes the use of sounds, words, phrases, sentences, gestures and writing to produce meaningful messages to others.  Skills may include labeling objects, actions and people, describing events, making comments/requests, and formulating/answering questions.  It also includes writing thoughts, ideas and stories.  Some people may use forms of Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) such as American Sign Language (ASL), pictures, high- and low-tech communication devices. 

Pragmatic Language 

Pragmatic language is the understanding of social situations and the use of appropriate social language in our daily interactions with others.  It also includes the use and understanding of body language (e.g., gesture, eye contact and facial expressions), as well as taking turns in conversation.  

Early Language Vocabulary Targets

You can target functional vocabulary words daily!

• Core Words (e.g., more, open, help, done, go, stop, wait, want, yes and no)

• Foods, drinks, body parts, clothes, household items, toys

• Items in nature

• Family members and pet’s names 

• Prepositions and ‘little words’ (e.g., on, off, in, out, up, down, out, under)

• Verbs (e.g., walk, eat, kick, sleep)

Speech Tip:  Letters, numbers, colors and shapes are considered ‘academic vocab.’  In Early Intervention, we want your child to learn functional communication first and foremost.  Functional communication is their ability to effectively express their thoughts, ideas, wants and needs using meaningful words.  Although academic vocabulary is important, they will be acquired naturally between the ages of 3 and 4 according to the U.S. Department of Education.  The most important skill to teach your toddler right now is functional communication.

Prelinguistic Speech Foundation Skills 

Before a child is ready for spoken language, there are foundation skills that first must be targeted.  Why?  Children imitate what we DO before they imitate what we say.  

• Responding 

• Anticipation/Cause & Effect 

• Nonverbal imitation 

• Babbling/ Symbolic Sound imitation 

• Joint attention 

• Sensory processing and self-regulation

• Purposeful Play

• Initiation