Pragmatics includes language usage, modification and following the basic rules of a conversation. The language usage differs in tone according to the listener and the situation, as a conversation with an acquaintance is bound to be different from one with a stranger. Also, certain rules are necessarily followed in a conversation for effective communication. It includes listening, taking turns to speak, topic introduction and maintenance (nondeviation), and rephrasing for clarity.
Pragmatic language activities include a text-based language intervention technique that involves the reading of fiction and nonfiction books. Reading activities improve vocabulary skills, creativity and language comprehension. Worksheets aid in grammar and figurative language (deciphering metaphors and similes), and are available in both free and paid grade-wise packages for students. Failure to comprehend a conversation or reading material could be due to lack of attention that arises from the inability to relate to the topic.
The figurative language concepts are learned through cited concept-based scenarios. This activity involves visual cues like pictorial representations of the context and phonic-based learning techniques for easing comprehension and retention. Learning problems in preschool are mainly attributed to less efficient memory capacity and lack of thinking skills. Inference-oriented learning helps in fin- tuning the thinking and memory skills to arrive at varied inferences rather than literal answers. Many pragmatics activities come as board games that capture the child's interest and allow learning through fun.
Pragmatic language activities find application in delayed speech, language learning disability and speech structure therapy. The child's skill in phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics is assessed and appropriate activities are formulated. Activities for semantic-pragmatic skills focus on phonic-based learning and word application in contexts. The intervention program includes activities of games, stories, drills, tasks adapted to each child's requirements to involve student in the communicative act.
Certain behavioral disorders like ADHD, Autism, and Asperger's Syndrome include pragmatic language activities in the treatment program. For example, activities targeting oral and conversational skills help children with Asperger's, who exhibit greater understanding of social rules and possess excellent language skills, but fail to implement them in social situations. Figurative language intervention works for autistic children. Pragmatic activities like phonological awareness can be implemented for learning problems in preschool children to improve reading skills and to make learning efficient. Activities like memory games are proven to be of great help in adults with dementia or memory loss due to injury or stroke.