Supporting Expressive Language Development in Children

What is expressive language?

Expressive language is the language we produce to communicate. Modalities include vocalisation, written language, gestures (e.g sign language), and alternative augmentative communication (i.e. AAC). There are 5 domains within our verbal language:

1. Phonology – the rules of speech sounds

  • This domain governs how we differentiate and use distinct units of sounds that can affect the meaning of the word

  • Example: /c/ in cat and /b/ in bat differing based on the initial unit of sound, thus any speech error of /c/ to /b/ or vice versa can influence the meaning completely.

2. Morphology – the rules of word structures

  • This domain governs how we make use of the smallest word unit in our language. The smallest unit comprises of both units that can stand alone (Example: “cat”) and that can be joined together to form another word (Example: “-s”).

  • Example: Attaching a word unit; “cheer”, with another word unit; “-ed” vs “-ing”, can result in meanings; “cheered” vs “cheering”.

3. Syntax – the rules of sentence structures

  • This domain governs how words are arranged appropriately in a sentence. Syntax can differ based on the language. One example that may hit close to home would be the difference in syntax between English and Mandarin (In Singapore, it is mandatory to learn a second language, Mandarin is commonly chosen amongst Singaporeans.).

  • (English) “Mary met her friend in school.” vs (Mandarin) “Mary in school met her friend.”

 

4. Semantics – the rules with respect to meaning of language

  • This domain governs how an individual makes use of words that holds different meanings within a sentence/phrase. It can be viewed as an individual’s vocabulary bank – synonyms vs antonyms, figurative vs literal language, idioms etc.

  • Our vocabulary bank grows with age and experiences.

5. Pragmatics – the social rules of language use

  • This domain governs our ability to be mindful of our own and other people’s verbal and non-verbal language when engaging in conversations. In layman’s terms, this is known as our social skills.

With exposure and correction, typically developing children should be able to grasp the concepts of expressive language with practice and time.

Why is Expressive Language Important?

Ψ Expressive language is important to convey thoughts, opinions, feelings, needs and wants. There are essential for a productive and effective conversation. Expressive language is also crucial for connecting with immediate family members, socializing with friends, and participation in school. These abilities carries the child all the way into adulthood.

Tips to encourage and facilitate expressive language

1. Acknowledge and expand/correct the child’s attempt

Example: If your child points at a dog and says: “Dog walking”, acknowledge his statement and respond with grammatically correct sentence: “Yes, the dog is walking.”.

2. Give the child some buffer time to complete his sentence

There is no shame in finding yourself having the urge to finish your child’s sentences out of frustration or lack of patience. By practicing a little patience, give your little ones some time to express themselves, let them show you what they can say. If necessary, prompt them with the sound of the first letter of the word.

3. Model your way!

Be mindful of the language you use around your child. Avoid using slangs (e.g. Singlish) or grammatically incorrect sentences (e.g. mummy eat apple). Be mindful of your body language too – simple habits such as maintaining eye contact when talking to your child, nodding or gesturing appropriately and when necessary, as well as maintaining good body posture when speaking to your child. You’ll be surprised how a little mindfulness on your end can go a long way!

4. Educating your child

Educate your child with age-appropriate language skills (e.g phonics from around 3-4 years old). This can be done in your daily conversations together, when you are helping with schoolwork, or in play!

5. Allow your child to play and explore

Bringing your child to interact socially with peers around the same age at the nearest playground. This can grow your child’s mental capacity on language expression as they may pick up some language from his peers. An adult can supervise as required.

6. A lot of patience

Children being children, they may be uncooperative at times. Do not feel defeated, reach out for help from family members, partner, friends or other fellow mothers. You are not alone in this parenting journey! Having social support from others can also help you identify some atypical language development that may require you to seek professional advice.

Telltale-signs that your child struggles with expressive language

When your child struggles to meet the age-appropriate/excited milestones, it could be a little concerning. For your reference, these are some language milestones your child should be hitting.

    • Cooing

    • Difference in vocalisation when happy and upset. Example: crying, laughing

    • Responding to noises or voices

    • Understanding simple commands such as “no-no”

    • Babbling duplicated sounds such as “ma-ma” or “da-da”

    • Communicating through gestures, sounds or baby jargon; almost sounding like nonsense speech

    • Trying to repeat what is being said to them

    • Around the time where the first word is said (up to 15 months)

    • Able to answer questions nonverbally (i.e., using gestures or pointing)

    • Trying to repeat simple words that is being said to them

    • Able to imitate animal sounds such as “meow” or “woof”

    • Vocabulary bank ranges from 4-6 words

    • Able to identify items as his/her own name

    • Able to call out for items by its correct label

    • Has 2-words phrases (e.g., mummy go), althought it may not be enunciated clearly

    • Vocabulary bank ranges from 50-60 words

    • Able to correctly use spatial concepts such as “in” and “on”

    • Understands how to use pronouns such as “you” and “me”

    • Using clear 3-word sentences that are syntactically correct

    • Clearer speech although ending sounds may not be enunciated clearly

    • Around the time where past tense and plural forms of words are used

    • Able to group items into its proper group labels (e.g., fruits, animals)

    • Able to enunciate most speech sounds aside those that may be a little tricky (e.g., “-s”, “th-”)

    • Most (unfamiliar adults) should be able to understand that the child is saying

    • Around the time where the child uses language not to only describe things around them, but also their thoughts and feelings

    • Able to answer questions about characteristics of objects (e.g., what size, shape or colour)

    • Able to engage in conversations

    • Sentences should range from 8-10 words

    • Able to speak in compound and complex sentences

    • Able to reason (e.g., what will happen if…)

Here are other more obvious and possible signs of struggling with expressive language.

Ψ A lot of word fillers such as “um”

Ψ Inability to correctly make use of certain words – could be due to speech error or low vocabulary bank/understanding

Ψ Consistently using incorrect grammar forms

Ψ Difficulty expressing thoughts comprehensively

Ψ Limited range and use of verb tenses or overusing them incorrectly

Ψ Utilizing the incorrect conjunction forms such as “and” and “because”

Seeking professional help when your child struggles with expressive language

Making the decision to get your child assessed may evoke a range of different feelings (e.g., courageous, doubtful, fearful). These feelings are valid and there may not be a “right feeling”. Here are some things to expect for sessions at the clinic:

Ψ The psychologist or speech therapist will attempt to better understand your child’s background and health charts. The health charts will help the professionals to eliminate any health-attributable causes for reported abnormalities in your child’s expressive language.

Ψ Screenings or assessments may be conducted to gain better understanding your child’s strengths and areas of needs.

Ψ Discussion of an individualized intervention plan. Goals are dependent on the results of the assessment. Our team of professionals aim for a well-integrated child-parent-professional relationship and intervention plan.

Early intervention has been proven to be very helpful in a child’s development journey. If you feel uncertain or unsure, bring your child in for a screen or assessment, better early than never!