Word of the Week: Receptive and Expressive Language

Receptive and expressive language are the language we understand and the language we use. Though they are different skill sets, they work in tandem, and effective communication is dependent on both.

Receptive language refers to input: it is the ability to understand spoken or written language. Following directions, answering questions, and reading comprehension are all examples of tasks that rely on receptive skills. The development of receptive language is influenced by external factors and internal factors. External factors include the quality of language input a child hears, while internal factors have to do with individual processing differences. Receptive language skills are important for socialization, literacy, and performance in school and work.

Expressive language, on the other hand, is the output, or the ability to use language by speaking or writing. Expressive language skills include naming objects, making comments, using correct vocabulary or grammar, and communicating with body language. These skills are important for social communication and need fulfillment. Expressive skills tend to emerge later, as children often acquire receptive skills faster. As a consequence, our receptive language is typically larger than our expressive language.