By Hillary Barber, School Psychologist

Language Skills

Language and communications skills include the ability to understand others (i.e. receptive language) and express oneself (i.e. expressive language) using words, gestures, or facial expressions.

Expressive Language

Expressive Language describes how a person communicates their wants and needs. It encompasses verbal and nonverbal communication skills and how an individual uses language. Expressive Language skills include: facial expressions, gestures, intentionality, vocabulary, semantics (word/sentence meaning), morphology, and syntax (grammar rules). It can be impacted by articulation.

Observable Behaviors with a Deficit in Expressive Language

• Inability completing rapid oral drills
• Difficult counting
• Difficulty expressing thoughts orally
• Incorrect use of grammar or syntax
• May lack specificity in communication or jump from topic to topic
• Limited vocabulary
• May have difficulty with word finding
• Uses social language poorly
• Often does not provide enough information to the listener

Receptive Language

Receptive Language describes the comprehension of language. Comprehension involves attention, listening, and processing the message to gain information. Areas of receptive language skills include: attention, receptive vocabulary, following directions, and understanding questions.

Observable Behaviors with a Deficit in Receptive Language

• Difficulty relating words to meaning
• Difficulty with words that have multiple meanings
• Difficulty following oral directions
• Easily confused when irrelevant information is included
• Limited vocabulary
• Does not respond to questions appropriately
• May confuse similar words or letters that sound the same
• Difficulty understanding humor or figurative language
• Difficulty comprehending concepts related to quantity, function, comparative size, and temporal and spatial relationships
• Difficulty comprehending compound and complex sentences