Pragmatic skills refer to the social language skills we use in daily interactions, including how we use language for different purposes, adjust it to the context, and follow social rules during communication. In speech therapy, addressing pragmatic skills is essential for individuals to help them navigate social situations effectively.

Key Areas of Pragmatic Skills

1. Using Language for Different Purposes:
   • Greeting (e.g., “Hi,” “Good morning”)
   • Informing (e.g., “I’m going to the store.”)
   • Requesting (e.g., “Can you help me?”)
   • Demanding (e.g., “Stop that!”)
   • Apologizing (e.g., “I’m sorry.”)
   • Asking questions (e.g., “Where is the book?”)
2. Changing Language According to Context:
   • Adjusting tone and vocabulary for formal or casual situations.
   • Using simpler language for younger children or when explaining complex topics.
3. Following Rules for Conversation and Storytelling:
   • Taking turns in conversation.
   • Staying on topic and avoiding interruptions.
   • Understanding and using nonverbal cues (e.g., gestures, facial expressions).
   • Providing enough information when sharing a story.
   • Knowing when to start or end a conversation.

Pragmatics include executive functioning in the form of:

• Emotional control
• Working memory
• Flexibility
• Planning
• Task Initiation
• Attention
• Time Management
• Emotional Control

In speech therapy, receptive language and expressive language refer to two key areas of communication skills:

Receptive Language: The ability to understand and process language. It includes understanding words, sentences, gestures, and concepts such as directions, questions, and stories. For example, following instructions, listening, identifying objects when named, or comprehending spoken or written information are aspects of receptive language.

Listening and reading skills.

Receptive = Understanding

Expressive Language: The ability to convey thoughts, feelings, and ideas using words, sentences, gestures, or writing. It involves vocabulary, sentence structure, grammar, and the ability to organize and share information effectively. Speaking, facial expressions, gestures, writing and vocalization. Examples include asking questions, naming objects, or forming sentences.

Speaking and writing skills.

Expressive = Communication

Speech therapy often targets these areas to help individuals improve both understanding (receptive) and communication (expressive) skills based on their specific needs.

In speech therapy, receptive language and expressive language refer to two key areas of communication skills:

Receptive Language: The ability to understand and process language. It includes understanding words, sentences, gestures, and concepts such as directions, questions, and stories. For example, following instructions, listening, identifying objects when named, or comprehending spoken or written information are aspects of receptive language.

Listening and reading skills.

Receptive = Understanding

Expressive Language: The ability to convey thoughts, feelings, and ideas using words, sentences, gestures, or writing. It involves vocabulary, sentence structure, grammar, and the ability to organize and share information effectively. Speaking, facial expressions, gestures, writing and vocalization. Examples include asking questions, naming objects, or forming sentences.

Speaking and writing skills.

Expressive = Communication

Speech therapy often targets these areas to help individuals improve both understanding (receptive) and communication (expressive) skills based on their specific needs.