Pragmatic language, often referred to as social communication, involves the ways in which children use language within social situations. As parents, understanding this area of development can help foster effective communication skills in our children. In this article, we will answer the question, “What is Pragmatic Language Development?”

Pragmatic Language Defined

Pragmatic language encompasses:

• Using language for different social purposes such as, greeting, naming, making a choice, requesting, refusing, commenting, and inquiring.
• Changing language according to the needs of a listener or situation.
• Following conversation rules such as taking turns and staying on topic.

Why is Pragmatic Language Development Important?

Pragmatic language skills are essential for:

• Forming and maintaining social relationships.
• Engaging in conversations.
• Understanding and navigating various cultural social language norms and rules.

Stages of Pragmatic Language Development

• Infancy (0-12 months):
  • Babies communicate by crying, cooing, and later babbling.
  • They begin to understand the rhythm of conversation by watching adults and looking at faces.
• Toddlerhood (1-3 years):
  • Start to use words and short sentences for requests (“more juice”) or protests (“no bath!”).
  • Begin to understand the power of language in social interactions.
• Preschool (3-5 years):
  • Use language to engage in pretend play and share stories, showing an understanding of basic conversational rules.
  • Begin to recognize and sometimes adhere to social norms in conversations.
• School Age (6-12 years):
  • Hold more complex conversations.
  • Understand indirect requests like, “It’s cold in here,” implying a desire to close the window.
• Adolescence (13-18 years):
  • Understand and use sarcasm, metaphors, and abstract concepts.
  • Navigate more complex social situations and group dynamics.

Examples of Pragmatic Language Use

• Looking at Language Partner: As a child interacts with caregivers and peers, they regard that person’s face.
• Making Requests: A toddler saying, “I want toy” or an older child asking, “Can I please go out and play?”
• Changing Communication Based on the Listener: Speaking differently to a peer than to a teacher or using simpler language with a younger sibling.
• Understanding Non-verbal Cues: Recognizing that a friend’s crossed arms and frown might mean they’re upset.

Common Challenges

Some children may face challenges with pragmatic language due to:

• Language delays or disorders
• Social communication disorder
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• ADHD

Tips for Enhancing Pragmatic Language Development

• Model good communication: Engage in frequent conversations with your child.
• Read together: Books introduce various scenarios and can stimulate discussions about characters’ feelings or actions.
• Play together: Playtime allows for practice with eye gaze, turn-taking, negotiation, role-playing, expanding vocabulary, and conversation.
• Encourage group activities: Team sports, group classes, and lessons can teach children about cooperation, turn taking, and communication.

FAQs

• What’s the difference between pragmatic language and grammar?
  • While grammar involves the structure of sentences, pragmatic language focuses on the understanding and use of language and language acts for a variety of purposes within social contexts.
• When should I be concerned about my child’s pragmatic language development?
  • If your child struggles with eye contact, response to the language around them, turn-taking, understanding social cues, or difficulty engaging and interacting with peers and adults, it may be beneficial to seek advice from a speech-language pathologist.
• Can pragmatic language skills be taught?
  • Yes! Through therapy, social skills groups, and opportunities for daily practice, children can improve their pragmatic language skills.

Additional Resources

• Social Communication (asha.org)
• Visit The Hanen Centre
• What is Pragmatic Language Short Video
• Pragmatic development (down-syndrome.org)
• Social Communication Disorder: Information & Treatments | Autism Speaks

Summary/Conclusion

Pragmatic language, or social communication, is crucial for children’s communication, and interpersonal and social interactions. It evolves as children grow, starting from infancy’s basic cries and coos to adolescents’ understanding of abstract concepts and sarcasm. While pragmatic language develops naturally for many, some children may face challenges. By understanding and supporting our children’s pragmatic language development, we pave the way for successful communication and relationships throughout their lives. If you have concerns about your child’s pragmatic skills, speech-language pathologists can provide you with specific guidance and support.