You have likely heard the word “communication” a lot in many situations. However, often people do not fully understand this term. Communication is a two-way process between two or more people where they share or exchange information, ideas and feelings, to create and share meaning. We all use many different methods to communicate daily, such as written language, spoken language, visual/communication aids and gestures.
Language and speech are also components of communication. Language refers to the way we communicate our thoughts, feelings, and ideas or express ourselves and how we receive that information from others, and speech and speech sounds. – When we think about speech and speech sounds – they are the sounds that we use to form words.
Our language can be broken up into 2 main categories:
- Receptive language: how we understand language (E.g., what we take in/understand)
- Expressive language: how we use language to express ourselves (E.g., how we use words and symbols to say what we want, need, and feel).
Another aspect of communication is pragmatic language or “social communication” - this refers to the way we communicate with the people around us, the differences in our communication, being aware of other people’s communication styles and understanding how we communicate in different social situations.
Such a large part of communication development happens within the first five years of life, however, we continue developing these skills well into adulthood.
So why is understanding the importance of speech, language, and communication important? The Australian Curriculum has a high focus on oral communication however, speech pathologists can support children to communicate in many different ways to support their engagement in the school environment. Language and communication skills are important to develop literacy skills, engage in class activities and develop relationships with peers.
Children may communicate using different modes and methods and it is important to support children to communicate in a way that is comfortable, safe, and efficient for them, however, if children have difficulty with any of the areas of communication, we have highlighted above they are at high risk of needing support through their schooling years. They may have trouble understanding and sharing information, creating meaning, communicating their needs, interacting with others and, developing literacy and numeracy.
Speech Pathologists are trained professionals who focus on assessing and supporting the communication needs in individuals of all ages. Speech pathologists support skill development in speaking and expressing oneself, listening, understanding, reading, writing, social communication, stuttering and using voice.
For further information regarding speech, language, and communication skills as well as some strategies you can begin to use with your child, please refer to our comprehensive blog “Why are speech, language and communication so important?”