Social Communication vs. Pragmatics: A helpful guide
Ever wondered about the difference between social communication and pragmatics?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are some distinctions you should be aware of.
This article will define pragmatics and how it relates to social communication. It’ll go into the three skill levels, the importance, and how to recognize if your child is struggling with pragmatic skills.
Here’s what you should know.
What is considered social communication?
Social communication involves all the ways in which we interact with other people.
Pragmatics is a component of social communication. It includes the norms we follow when when we talk to others.
We use verbal language, or words, to communicate our thoughts and feelings to others.
We use nonverbal language, such as facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice, to support our intended messages, too.
Savvy social communicators also adjust their manner and delivery depending on who they’re talking to and where they are.
When children or adults struggle to understand and apply social conventions, it makes it difficult for them to socialize and establish healthy relationships with others.
What are the three major communication skills in pragmatics?
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) pragmatics in social communication includes three skill levels.
1. Use language for different intentions
Language is used in many ways, based on the communicator’s intent.
Greeting someone and saying goodbye
Providing information (I need a drink of water.)
Demanding information or wants/needs fulfillment (Give me my toy!)
Promising information or an anticipated outcome (I’ll clean my room.)
Requesting information or an item/activity (Can I watch TV?)
2. Follow social conventions
We follow several social norms when interacting with others, often in ways we aren’t even aware of.
Taking turns during a conversation. Each person should have the equal chance to speak, listen, and respond.
Sharing the topic with communication partners right away. Let them know what you want to talk about, so they know how to engage.
Staying on topic to communicate your own interest and engagement.
Trying another way to say something if another person doesn’t understand you. Use different words, gestures, or describe what you’re talking about.
Using gestures and body language to demonstrate your ideas. For example, pointing, shrugging your shoulders, nodding your head, or holding out your hands.
Knowing how close to stand near someone. This varies among different cultures and generations, too.
Using facial expressions to convey your thoughts, show your interest, and engage your listener. Depending on your cultural background, eye contact may also be important.
3. Change language and tone depending on listener and situation
Our words and nonverbal cues will vary depending on the context.
Varying tone of voice and wording, depending on whether we’re talking to babies, children, or adults.
Knowing when to give more information if someone doesn’t know the topic and less information if they do.
Changing our delivery style depending on where we are.
For example, we tend to use more formal speech in the workplace or with others we don’t know well. Children will adjust how they talk when they transition from the classroom to recess.
What is the importance of social communication?
Developing solid social communication is essential for establishing relationships with family, friends, and out in the community.
Understanding and demonstrating the various rules of pragmatics helps children successfully participate in conversations and play interactions, too.
If you’re not sure if your child struggles with social communication, take a look at some of the signs.
What are some signs that my child has difficulties with social communication?
Children who have difficulty with social communication often demonstrate the following.
Difficulty remaining on topic during conversation or play
Seeking out items without trying to gain the attention of an adult
Showing limited or complete lack of eye contact
Demonstrating an unawareness of personal space
Dominating conversations; they won’t ask communication partners relevant questions or give them a chance to speak
Difficulty making and keeping friends
Difficulty understanding another person’s perspective, especially if it’s about a topic they are passionate about
Inability to understand or use various voice tones
Difficulty understanding, responding to, and using different facial expressions
Difficulty understanding when they need clarification or more information
Tendency to use language in limited ways.
If your child struggles with social language, there are some strategies you can use to support them.
Helpful tips to work on social communication
Children who struggle with pragmatic language benefit from strategies designed to provide them with information and plenty of opportunities to practice.
Use visual supports, including pictures and videos, to support what you say.
Model the communication skills your child struggles with.
Role-play new or different situations ahead of time. For example, practice what it will be like in the grocery store or the doctor’s office.
You can also use puppets, dolls, action figures, or stuffed animals to role play.
Create social stories to give your child more information about a new social setting or context.
When reading stories, talk about how the person might feel based on the situation. Look at their facial expressions and talk about what they mean.
Use speaking tips for conversations to support children of any age.
Support your child’s social communication skills with Columbia Pediatric Therapy
The importance of developing and maintaining social communication skills, including pragmatics, can’t be overstated.
Children who recognize, understand, and demonstrate age-appropriate pragmatic skills are on the road to developing healthy relationships with family, friends, and community members.
If you are concerned about your child’s social communication skills, reach out to Columbia Pediatric Therapy for more information or to schedule an initial evaluation.
Contact Columbia Pediatric Therapy today or begin by filling out the easy online contact form.