Language vs. Speech

The ability to share thoughts and ideas effectively starts at an early age. That’s why as the parent of a child, you should understand the common issues that some children face when talking to other people. Once you understand how people typically talk to others, you can proceed to get your child the necessary help they may need.

1. What words mean 

This component relates to the meanings we ascribe to words so that people can understand exactly what we mean. In order for children to comprehend words successfully, parents can engage their child in conversation every day that includes new and interesting words. Parents can also read books to their children everyday. Whenever parents read a new word, they should pause and then explain the word to their kids. Lastly, parents can play verbal games with their children so that they can improve their understanding of words.

2. How to use new words 

When learning new vocabulary, a child should hear specific words and receive an explanation of their meaning. The best way for children to learn how to create sentences with new words is to ensure that they maintain a lot of exposure to people using advanced vocabulary.

3. How to put words together 

A crucial part of language is how we structure our sentences. When parents repeat sentences to their children with correct grammar, children can learn how to successfully put words together.

4. Which word combinations are best in a given situation 

When we use words to form sentences, the content and structure should be taken into consideration. There are many ways to help your child learn to combine words appropriately. One of the best ways is to be a great role model by speaking grammatically correct when communicating with your child. For instance, if your child says “go store” when she is getting out of the car, you can gently say “You are going to the store.” Parents should also expand their child’s language. When your child says “slow” while pushing a kid-size cart full of groceries, you can say “The cart is slow.”

These four components of language can then be applied to the three types of language people most commonly use to communicate.

Receptive: The definition of this term is the ability to understand the formation of words. Most children with receptive issues can hear and read words just fine, but they often have difficulty understanding the meaning of words.

If your child has trouble following directions or consistently misunderstands what is asked, said, or written, he/she may have receptive issues.

Expressive: When children use gestures, words, and sentences to share their thoughts to others, they’re communicating expressively. This term is extremely important because it allows children to effectively convey their message.

If your child has difficulty retelling a story, naming items and objects, or being understood by unfamiliar people, he/she may have a hard time using expressive communication.

Pragmatics: This term refers to the skills that are used to speak with others. Some examples of pragmatic skills include using humor, asking thoughtful questions, maintaining great eye contact, responding appropriately to affection, and contributing regularly to the conversation

If your child has difficulty remaining on topic in conversation, he/she may have problems with pragmatic skills.

Articulation: The movement of the tongue, jaw, and lips is defined as articulation.

Intelligibility: The clarity of a child’s communication.

Dysfluency: Also known as stuttering, dysfluency is any irregularities or breaks in communication.

Voice: The use of the lungs and vocal chords to produce sounds.

Oral Motor: The way in which the lips, cheeks, tongue, and jaw move to swallow effectively and produce adequate articulatory precision.