What’s the difference between speech and language?

Speech is articulation.

It is how we pronounce words. So, when you hear a kiddo say, “wook at fat wabbit!“

translation: “look at that rabbit!”

That is an articulation (or speech) error. Definitely not a language error because that kiddo has the words, the vocabulary, and knows the meaning, he or she just cannot say it correctly. Articulation can be easily worked on in speech therapy and at home!

So, what is language?

Language is the meaning. Language is vocabulary.

As a speech therapist, we split language into two main categories: expressive and receptive. Well, we split it up even more than that but for parent and teacher education purposes we will say we split it into two categories.

Expressive language: the words a child can say or express verbally. It is the vocabulary that child has.

Receptive language: the words or vocabulary that a child understands.

So, a little scenario for you...

when you are reading a book to your child (you can check your child’s expressive and receptive language skills)

Expressive skills:

Parent says ”what is that?” while pointing to a picture of a dog on the page of the book. The child say, “a dog!” — this child has correct expressive language skills.

Receptive skills:

Parent says “point to the dog.” Then the child proceeds to point to the dog then great your child has some receptive language and understanding!