pragmatic language – ECI – Module 1: Atypical Development

Language experts use the term “pragmatic language”¹ to refer to how we use language for social reasons. That is, when we use language to communicate our thoughts and ideas to those around us – and is not simply making sounds.

Some children may not know how to use language socially. Some signs of pragmatic language difficulties may include:

Having little or no turn-taking skills;
Getting very close to others when speaking, almost face to face;
Having little or no eye contact with others, not even caregivers, siblings or peers when communicating with them (unless dictated by one’s culture);
Finding it difficult to understand and answer questions after age 6;
Not taking turns when speaking, as if speaking in ‘circles’ after age 3;
Giving brief and short answers to all questions, after age 5;
Jumping from one topic in a conversation to another with no transition;
Not keeping up with the topic of the conversation, or “going off on tangents”.

Children who cannot make their language “work” for them in these ways find this very frustrating. They will need as much professional support as children who cannot understand or speak, or with receptive or expressive language delays.

1 see References

Children who have difficulties with language in the early childhood years¹ will very likely continue to exhibit difficulties with language in the elementary years and beyond. If these difficulties are not addressed, they will get more serious and will have a negative effect on practically all aspects of the child’s life. This applies to all aspects of language: receptive, expressive, pragmatic and articulation. Children with language delays do not “outgrow” them. With appropriate support however, they may acquire and develop many of the basic skills.

Children with language delays by age 5 years, at they begin the elementary school years (and beyond) may exhibit the following behaviours:

Children with difficulties with receptive language:

May look as if they do not pay attention, because they may not understand what is being asked of them;
May only hold a small number of words in their vocabulary;
May continue to experience difficulties in social situations, because of their receptive language skills difficulties.

Children with difficulties with expressive language:

May continue to find it difficult to be part of groups and other social situations, and avoid them completely;
May continue to feel that they are “different” from others (e.g., things that are easy for others are difficult for them, both in and out of school situations);
May struggle with learning how to read and write, and have trouble with subjects like socials, sciences and math that are language-based.

Children with difficulties with pragmatics :

May continue to avoid social situations, because it is hard for them to be a part of a conversation;
May be avoided or made fun of by other children, because of their difficulties with language when sharing with others;
May be aware of their language difficulties, continue to feel ‘bad’ (see full Glossary) about themselves.

Children with difficulties with articulation:

May avoid social situations, because of difficulties with some speech sounds
May choose not to talk to avoid other children making fun of them.
May be aware of their speech difficulties, continue to feel ‘bad’ about themselves.

Children with language delays who show these behaviours need additional support at school; otherwise, these behaviours could become more complex between 5 and 12 years old. Knowing of how these language difficulties may effect a child is important in any of the four aspects of language. Not being successful in language and communication skills may have long lasting effects. These difficulties may prevent the child from being included in activities such as school plays, debates or any other meetings, or just ‘mingling’ with children and adults. As adolescents and young adults, any daily life situations that include language and communication become difficult, for example, talking to a bank-teller or contacting one’s doctor.