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Pragmatics Language
(Social Communication)
![Young brothers talking with tin can tele](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/48f3f9_6eb9c4160ebc43c2800b113dd009828e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_82,h_54,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/48f3f9_6eb9c4160ebc43c2800b113dd009828e~mv2.jpg)
What is Pragmatics (Social Communication)?
Social communication or pragmatics refers to the way in which children
use language within social situations. Social language includes
three different components:
1. The ability to use language for different purposes;
2. The ability to adapt language to meet the needs of the
listener or situation;
3. Following the often “unspoken” rules of conversation.
![Portrait of happy Asian kids sharing sec](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/48f3f9_b9a23f77efb945dc99da57d27cd80008~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_82,h_55,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/48f3f9_b9a23f77efb945dc99da57d27cd80008~mv2.jpg)
Characteristics of problems with social communication?
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Difficulty making friends
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Difficulty staying on topic during conversation
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Inappropriately gaining attention of others (e.g. interrupting)
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Standing too close to a person; lack of personal space
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Conversations are disorganized
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Inappropriate eye contact during conversations
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Not listening during a conversation
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Dominating the conversation
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Not knowing how to ask for clarification
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Inability to interpret the tone of voice of others
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Limited use of language (e.g. only making statements)
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Difficulty in "perspective-taking"
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/48f3f9_c25cf3d9e5904f8fa176d5510e214154~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_82,h_46,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/48f3f9_c25cf3d9e5904f8fa176d5510e214154~mv2.jpg)
Why should I seek therapy if I notice difficulties with social communication (pragmatics)?
Therapeutic intervention can help a child:
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Learn how to engage appropriately with others during play, conversation and personal interactions;
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Learn how to make friends;
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Learn how to respond appropriately during interactions with both familiar and unfamiliar people;
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Be aware of the social norms of social conduct and social interaction
If you have concerns about your child's receptive language skills, schedule a consultation with one of our pediatric Speech Language Pathologists.