What is Pragmatic Language?

Pragmatic Needs

Pragmatics are an essential part of language and the foundation for social communication. If your child faces difficulties engaging in meaningful interaction, South Shore Therapies is here to help. Our experts in Hingham, Pembroke, and Norwood, MA, can help you build the tools to support your child’s use of pragmatic language across contexts. We strive to maximize your child's potential with tailored intervention strategies in a nurturing, safe, and positive environment. With our focus on empathy, respect, and support, you can partner with us for results that make a difference.

What Are Pragmatics?

Pragmatic language is the rules we follow when we communicate in social situations Pragmatic language includes three significant skill areas that facilitate effective and meaningful communication.

The Three Pillars of Pragmatic Language

Pragmatics are broken down into three major skills. These skills include:

• Using language for different reasons
• Changing language for the listener or situation
• Following rules for conversation and storytelling

Why Do We Need Pragmatics?

Pragmatics play a vital role in linguistics. It enables us to transcend the literal meaning of vocabulary to understand and connect with the meaning of what is being said in a conversation. It is the key to effectively understanding context and experiencing meaningful interactions with others. Pragmatics enables us to foster a deeper sense of connection with inside jokes, slang, and shorter yet more impactful conversations. Pragmatics are important skills that allow us to communicate our thoughts, feelings, and ideas in a more relatable and effective manner.

What Are Some Examples of Pragmatics?

Pragmatics define the appropriate use of language within social situations. Examples of pragmatic language include but are not limited to:

• Joint referencing, which means focusing attention on the same objects
• Joint action, which is participation in the same action
• Attending to speaker
• Initiating communication/play
• Maintaining the topic of conversation
• Taking turns within conversation/play

Use Language for Different Purposes

Children with difficulties in pragmatic language use may struggle to participate in various social interactions, including using language for:

• Greetings - Saying “hello” or “goodbye” to others. 
• Commenting - "I'm going to get a toy."
• Demanding - "Give me the toy."
• Promising - "I'm going to give you the toy."
• Requesting – "Can I have the toy, please?"

Adapting Language to the Listener or Situation

It is beneficial to help your child understand how to speak to different people or in varying contexts to support their pragmatic language use. Changes in language may include:

• The way you speak to babies vs adults
• Providing background information or context if you are speaking about a topic unfamiliar to the listener
• Changing the volume of your voice depending on the situation or location (e.g., using a quieter indoor voice)

Following Rules for Conversation

A pragmatic communication disorder may cause children to have trouble understanding the unspoken rules of conversation. To work on this, practice the following:

• Taking turns during a conversation
• Initiating new topics when appropriate
• Staying on topic
• Explaining things differently when the listener does not understand
• Verbal and nonverbal cues

Does Your Child Have a Pragmatic Language Disorder?

A formal assessment by a speech-language pathologist will help determine if your child has a pragmatic communication disorder. Signs that may be indicative of a pragmatic disorder include:

• Unrelated or sudden conversation interjections
• Reduced flexibility for jokes or sarcasm
• Reduced interest in initiating and maintaining social interactions

Learn More About Pediatric Pragmatic Needs

South Shore Therapies is here to support your child’s social communication needs. For compassionate guidance, positive support, and tailored services that make a difference, contact our team in Hingham, Pembroke, and Norwood, MA, today.