Receptive/Expressive Language

What is the difference between receptive and expressive language? Language is a symbolic, rule governed system used to convey a message. In English, the symbols can be words, either spoken or written. We also have gestural symbols like shrugging our shoulders to indicate “I don’t know” or waving to indicate “bye-bye” or the raising of our eye brows to indicate that we are surprised by something. 

  • Receptive language refers to your child’s ability to listen, understand, and follow the directions they hear in language. Very often, young children have stronger receptive language skills (what they understand) than expressive language skills (what they can say). An SLP can help teach your child new vocabulary and how to use that knowledge to follow directions, answer questions, and participate in simple conversations with others. 

  • Expressive language then, refers to what your child says. Speech-language pathologists can help your child learn new words and learn how to put it all together to form phrases and sentences. This is important so that your child can communicate to you and others.     
Contact me today!
Allison Winters, M.Ed., CCC-SLP