What is Delayed Language?

What is Delayed Language?

• A. Slowness in development of vocabulary and grammar necessary for expressing and understanding thoughts and ideas.
• B. Rapid development of vocabulary and grammar beyond peers.
• C. Difficulty with nonverbal communication only.
• D. Physical impairment of speech production.

Answer: (A)

Delayed language means a slower than typical pace in acquiring language skills, especially vocabulary and grammar, which are needed to express and understand thoughts and ideas. This emphasis on timing and the development of both expressive (talking) and receptive (understanding) language makes it the best description. It isn’t about talking fast or slow due to motor movements, so it isn’t about rapid development, nonverbal communication alone, or a purely physical impairment of speech production. Rather, it centers on the rate at which language skills emerge and become functional, which is why the statement captures the concept of delayed language.

Delayed language means a slower than typical pace in acquiring language skills, especially vocabulary and grammar, which are needed to express and understand thoughts and ideas. This emphasis on timing and the development of both expressive (talking) and receptive (understanding) language makes it the best description. It isn’t about talking fast or slow due to motor movements, so it isn’t about rapid development, nonverbal communication alone, or a purely physical impairment of speech production. Rather, it centers on the rate at which language skills emerge and become functional, which is why the statement captures the concept of delayed language.