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What is Language ?
Language refers to the communication system that we use to express ourselves, communicate ideas, and to understand and make sense of what is going on around us. It is a system that can comprise both spoken and written words and gesture. Language skills are often divided into two main areas:
- Receptive Language Skills
This is the comprehension or understanding of what has been said or written. This can also include comprehension of gestures or signs.
- Expressive Language Skills
This is the use of language to communicate and can include speaking, writing, use of gesture or signing.
What are some kinds of language difficulties?
People may have difficulty with receptive language skills, such as learning concepts, following instructions, or understanding questions. Expressive language difficulties may result in limited vocabulary, short simple sentences, poor grammar, or word-finding problems. Often these difficulties occur together, affecting the person’s ability to make the most of learning experiences and participate in conversations.
How can parents help children develop language skills?
Use specific vocabulary when you talk with your child, to help them learn the names objects, actions and events. Keep your sentences short and simple when talking to young children. Participate in conversations about everyday activities, as well as describing new experiences as they occur.
What causes language difficulties?
Many children experience language difficulties with no known cause. Early hearing difficulties may impact upon a child’s ability to develop language. Other causes may include specific diagnoses, such as global developmental delay or autism.
Adolescent and adult language difficulties may carry over from childhood. However, adult difficulties usually have some type of neurological cause, such as head injury, dementia or stroke.
Terms that may be used in the topic of language difficulties
Expressive Language, Receptive Language, Semantics, Grammar, Syntax, learning difficulty, Specific Language Impairment (SLI), comprehension, narrative, vocabulary, word finding difficulties.
Useful Websites
www.loveandreilly.com.au
Australian site with range of informative newsletters
Talking Point - Speech and Language in Children
English website containing range of information and ideas to assist language development.
http://www.superduperinc.com/handouts.asp
a range of handouts giving activity ideas to assist development of language
http://www.kidsource.com/ASHA/letstalk33.html
describes language skills and possible difficulties seen in adolescents with language impairment
Useful Resources
BabyTalk by Sally Ward
PSPAWA Members who work with language difficulties
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