What is the difference between “expressive” and “receptive” language?
In general, speech therapists aim to improve both their client’s “Expressive” and “Receptive” language skills. Receptive language refers to the ability to understand spoken language and follow directions. For example, a child’s ability to listen to and follow the directions, “point to your shoe,” relies on their receptive language. Typically, children are able to understand language prior to being able to produce it, themselves. A child who is unable to comprehend language may have receptive language difficulties. In contrast, expressive language refers to the ability to communicate verbally or with written words. Children that have difficulty communicating their wants and needs may have expressive language difficulties. For example, children might be experiencing expressive language difficulties if they are unable to inform their caregivers that they are hungry. It is important to note that this is just one example of an expressive language difficulty. If you have concerns about your
In general, speech therapists aim to improve both their client’s “Expressive” and “Receptive” language skills. Receptive language refers to the ability to understand spoken language and follow directions. For example, a child’s ability to listen to and follow the directions, “point to your shoe,” relies on their receptive language. Typically, children are able to understand language prior to being able to produce it, themselves. A child who is unable to comprehend language may have receptive language difficulties. In contrast, expressive language refers to the ability to communicate verbally or with written words. Children that have difficulty communicating their wants and needs may have expressive language difficulties. For example, children might be experiencing expressive language difficulties if they are unable to inform their caregivers that they are hungry. It is important to note that this is just one example of an expressive language difficulty. If you have concerns about your
