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Receptive language

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Receptive language is the ability to understand language: words, sentences, directions, questions and stories.

Topic: Speech and language

In plain terms

A student with receptive language difficulties may follow only part of a direction, misunderstand questions, or lose track of longer explanations. These needs can be missed, because students often watch peers and copy what they do. Receptive language includes vocabulary, grammar comprehension and understanding concepts like before, after and except.

How it shows up in an IEP

Goals target specific comprehension tasks, such as following two-step directions with spatial concepts or answering questions about a story read aloud. Visual supports and checking for understanding often appear as accommodations.

Example

Given a two-step direction with a time concept, such as "before you sharpen your pencil, put away your book," a student follows both steps in the right order in 8 of 10 trials.

Not the same as Expressive language

Receptive language is understanding what others say. Expressive language is using words and sentences to communicate. Read the definition of Expressive language.

Related terms

  • Expressive languageExpressive language is the ability to put thoughts into words and sentences to communicate, through speech, sign, writing or AAC.
  • Wh- questionsWh- questions are questions that start with who, what, where, when, why or how and ask for information, not a yes or no.
  • Developmental language disorderDevelopmental language disorder is a lasting difficulty learning and using spoken language that is not explained by hearing loss or another condition.
  • SemanticsSemantics is the meaning side of language: vocabulary, word relationships, categories and multiple meanings.
  • Auditory skills hierarchyThe auditory skills hierarchy is the sequence of listening skills, from detecting sound to understanding speech, used to teach and track listening development.

On IEP Atlas

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