Normal Development of Receptive Language

by Nancy Williams, M.Sc., CCC-Sp.

What is language?

Language is a system of symbols people use to communicate with each other. It is one way to receive and give information.

Three systems work together to produce language:

The input system - called receptive language - which takes in information through the senses

The output system - speaking, gesturing, or writing

The symbol system, which allows the input and output to work together.

What is receptive language?

Receptive language is the input system of language. It is what we see and hear and the information that we take in. Receptive language is the comprehension of information.

Language does not improve according to age alone—it develops as one skill helps the next. Once an early skill develops, it allows more difficult skills to be learned. Language develops in a way similar to physical or movement skills: One stage leads to the next. Receptive language skills begin as early as birth and get stronger with each stage in development.

Normal sequence of receptive language

A newborn baby responds to sound. Loud or sudden sounds startle the baby. Within weeks the baby can tell the difference between happy and angry voices. This is seen when the baby coos in response to a pleasant voice.

Auditory perception—when the baby associates meaning with a sound source—is developing now. At 6 months a baby looks around to find the source of a sound. At 9 months the baby responds to "no." A 1-year-old can follow simple directions.

How can I help my child?

Language stimulation can be fun! You can do language training during your daily routine, but never insist on working if your child resists it. Pick times when your child is eager to work—bath time and story time are natural communication times.

You don't need to reserve a special time for language; each time you stimulate language in a daily activity you help your child learn. The quality of time you spend with your child is more important than the quantity.

Here are some things to try:

Parallel talk: Talk about your child's actions and those of other people. Talk to your child when your child is playing, riding in the car, bathing, or doing any favorite activity. This helps your child learn to onnect what the child sees, hears, does, and feels with the words to describe them.

Expansion: When your child speaks or points to an object, be sure to imitate the sound and then give your child the label (the name of the object). For example, if your child points to a dog, give the label, "dog."

Monitor your speaking rate and stress: Talk at a speed your child can understand. You may need to talk more slowly than you usually do. Stress the words you are teaching by saying them louder, longer, or in a high voice. Produce your words clearly without exaggerating them too much.

Expatiation: Enlarge on your child's topic by adding related information to whatever your child is talking about. If your child shows you a dog, talk about what a dog sounds like or eats.

Keep it fun!

Don't ask your child too many questions! Comment on your child's activities, speak clearly, and provide more information. Also, don't make your child imitate all your words. Language stimulation should be fun, not work.

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