Pragmatics (Social Skills)

  • Social Skills are vital for communicating and interacting with others effectively; essential skills for success in school.

    Pragmatic language is also known as social language or social skills. Pragmatics refers to a child's ability to use language appropriately in a variety of social situations. There are a wide range of acceptable social behaviors; they are influenced based on cultural, familial and individual factors.   Difficulties with pragmatic language can manifest in three distinct communication areas. The following chart is adapted from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) to display each area of social communication. A child presenting with pragmatic language deficits may display difficulties in one or more of the following areas:

    Using Language (for different purposes)

     Changing Language (based on the  social situation or needs of the listener)

    Following Rules (during conversations)
    • to greet (say hello, goodbye)
    • to inform (I’m going to get milk)
    • to demand (Give me the milk)
    • to promise (I’m going to get you the milk)
    • to request (I would like some milk, please)
    • talking differently to a baby than to an adult
    • giving background information to an unfamiliar listener
    • speaking differently in a classroom than on a playground
    • understanding emotions ina situation and responding appropriately
    • problem solving in social situations
    • taking turns in a conversation
    • introducing topics of conversation
    • rephrasing when misunderstood
    • using verbal and nonverbal cues
    • proximity (how close you are to the listener/personal space)
    • how to use and read facial expressions
    • eye contact
    • body language

    http://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/Pragmatics/

    Internet Links:

    Tips for Teachers-Helping Students Build Peer Relationships