PRAGMATICS

Pragmatics skills, also called social communication skills, are the ways children use language to interact with others. These skills help children join in play, make friends, take turns in conversations, and understand social rules.

Speech Pathologists can support children with many areas of pragmatics, including:

• Taking turns in conversations: Knowing when to talk, when to listen, and how to stay on topic.

• Using and understanding non‑verbal communication: Facial expressions, eye contact, body language, and gestures.

• Understanding social rules: Knowing how to greet others, share, ask for help, or join a game.

• Understanding feelings and perspectives: Recognising emotions in themselves and others, and responding appropriately.

• Understanding figurative or indirect language: Phrases like “hold your horses,” jokes, sarcasm, or hints.