Receptive Language

Receptive language is the understanding of information provided in a variety of ways such as sounds and words; movement and gestures; and signs and symbols. Children often acquire elements of receptive language faster than expressive language. Because of this, our receptive language vocabulary is generally larger than that of our expressive language. 

Receptive language is the ability to understand and comprehend the language we hear or read. For example, a child’s ability to listen and follow directions demonstrates their receptive language skills. Receptive language involves us gaining information and meaning from our daily routines, visual information from our environment, sounds and words, concepts (size, time, shape, grammar and colours) and written information. 

 As they develop, children are able to understand language before they are able to produce it, making receptive language skills the foundational building blocks to their language and literacy education. Children who are unable to comprehend language may have receptive language difficulties or a receptive language disorder.

  What are some examples of receptive language skills?

• Following instructions (e.g. “Please tie your shoelaces”, “stand up, go to the table, and take your dinner plate”).
• Answering questions accurately and appropriately (e.g. Comprehension questions such as who, what, when, why and how).
• Understanding conversation and stories.
• Using correct verb tenses, pronouns, plurals, etc. (e.g. "Three cats danced at the festival yesterday. One of them was called Ted. He is very kind").
• Understanding and responding appropriately to social situations.

If you feel your child may have a language disorder, speak with your doctor, who will be able to guide you to the right help. They can look into your child’s health background, and may arrange hearing tests and a physical examination. They may wish to refer your child to a speech-language pathologist, who can help provide you with a diagnosis and treatment plan for your child. 

For children who are really having trouble with their receptive language skills, another option is Speech and Language Therapy (SALT). In SALT, a speech therapist will identify the communication challenges a child is facing, before providing some appropriate activities and exercises for educators and parents to help the child overcome these challenges.