Pragmatic – Social Language Deficits

Pragmatic language is the ability to efficiently use words/language and body actions when being social. One uses these skills to engage in a reciprocal interaction with one or more communication partners at the same time recognizing and following socially expected rules.

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Pragmatics involves three major communication skills:

Using language to comment, for different intentions, for example:

Greeting (“hello”, “goodbye”)

Informing (“I’m going to get a cookie.”)

Demanding (“Give me a cookie.”)

Promising (“I’m going to get you a cookie.”)

Requesting (“I would like a cookie, please.”)

Changing language according to the needs of a listener or situation, for example:

Talking differently to a baby than to an adult

Giving background information to an unfamiliar listener in regards to the topic at hand

Speaking differently in a classroom than on a playground (Inside voice vs. Outside voice)

Following rules for conversations and storytelling, for example:

Taking turns in conversation

Introducing topics of conversation

Staying on topic

Rephrasing/changing the message when misunderstood

Use verbal and nonverbal signals (head nod to show understanding)

How close to stand to someone when speaking (personal space/boundaries)

How to use facial expressions and eye contact

How can I tell if my child is having problems with pragmatic language?