The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has some helpful and informative information on their website about pragmatics, of the social use of language. You can visit ASHA’s website here: http://www.asha.org/ or go straight to their Pragmatics page here: http://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/pragmatics.htm
ASHA defines ‘pragmatics’ as a person’s ability to master ‘the rules of social language’. They explain that an individual may be able to speak clearly, and use appropriate vocabulary and grammar, but has difficulty using these language skills appropriately in social situations.
The example they use involves a child: ‘You have invited your friend over for dinner. Your child sees your friend reach for some cookies and says, “Better not take those, or you’ll get even bigger.” You’re embarrassed that your child could speak so rudely.’
In this example, the child’s language skills are clearly strong, but the child has not realised that their comment could be interpreted as rude or offensive. These subtler abilities to think about how their language could be perceived by others can lead to social isolation, as many peers may not want to interact with someone who has a tendency to be rude to them. For young children, such comments are an important part of practicing social skills and are part of their general development. However if such comments are occurring very frequently in older children, it is possible that they may have a pragmatic disorder. Difficulties with pragmatics are also typically associated in children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including Asperger’s Syndrome. Adults can also have difficulties with pragmatics following brain injury or stroke, and may require support to help raise their awareness about their communication style post-injury.
Speech and language therapy can be of great benefit to both children and adults with pragmatic difficulties. The use of social stories, role-plays, video-work, group practice and real-life experiences can help support individuals to interact more appropriately with their peers, and when out in the community. Experienced speech and language therapists can help ascertain what level and amount of support the individual requires, and deliver it in a sensitive manner. They can also work with educators and families to widen the therapy and ensure that the child receives appropriate feedback and support in all environments.
If you feel that your child, relative or friend may benefit from speech and language therapy around the social use of language, Integrated Treatment Services could be of help. Contact us here: https://integratedtreatmentservices.co.uk/contact-us/enquiry
Sarah Bennington, September 2011
Written on behalf of Integrated Treatment Services. Integrated Treatment Services is a private Speech and Language Therapy service based in Leicestershire and the East Midlands. It specialises in providing highly-skilled Speech and Language Therapists, but also associates with other therapeutic professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists and Arts Therapists.
