Language is a complex phenomenon. Not only do language skills encompass communication between people, but communication in various situations. Pragmatic language is how people use language in social situations, including asking questions, having conversations and reading nonverbal cues.
Children with pragmatic language problems may have trouble interpreting body language, maintaining eye contact and understanding abstract language, according to the Kaufman Children’s Center, a clinic dedicated to helping children and adolescents with speech and language disorders. The ASHA adds that these children often blurt out inappropriate comments during conversations.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association suggests role play practicing social conversation skills as an activity to help children with pragmatic language difficulties. During role-playing activities, adopt the persona of different people. Have a conversation with your child. Practice the same conversation in different ways based on the role you’ve adopted. For example, pretend you’re a friend, then ask your child to tell you how to jump rope. Then adopt a teacher persona and engage your child in another conversation. Point out the differences between talking to an adult and talking to another child.
Another activity that may help children with pragmatic language skills is a mini field trips. During these trips, children can practice using language and talking with different kinds of people. Visit the grocery store and have your child request an item from the bakery. In the checkout line, encourage your child to greet the cashier and make eye contact. As your child practices social interaction, praise him and explain what he did well. Regular outings also give your child a chance to observe how others use social language skills.
Children who have pragmatic language problems may also have trouble telling stories and answering open-ended questions. Ask your child to make up a story. Help her arrange the story in an understandable sequence. Provide your child with visuals that will help organize the story. Ask questions that help your child flesh out the story. In addition, tell your child when the story steers off topic. Sometimes children with social difficulties tell stories that are excessively long. If this occurs, gently point this out to your child.