What It Means
Expressive language is the part of communication where a child sends a message: asking for milk, naming the dog, telling you what happened at the park. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) sorts language into two sides: expressive, which covers talking, signing and writing, and receptive, which covers listening, watching and reading. Before the words arrive, a baby expresses a lot through sounds and gestures, and NIDCD notes that a wave, a sign or a pointed finger can carry language too.
Try It: Slide to an Age and See What Most Children Say
Move the slider to an age to see a CDC milestone for getting a message across. CDC places each one where 75% or more of children have it.
1 year
18 months
2 years
5 years
Most childrenWave bye-bye, and call a parent mama, dada or another special name.
Try to say three or more words besides mama or dada.
Say at least two words together, like "More milk," and use gestures beyond waving and pointing, like blowing a kiss or nodding yes.
Tell a story they heard or made up, with at least two events.
Missing one? CDC suggests raising it with your child's doctor.
How Parents Say It
- "He knows what he wants, he just can't say it yet."
- "She signs 'more' at every meal."
- "Now he won't stop talking!"
The Breakdown
Getting a message across, by age, from CDC's checklists
| By this age | Most children (75% or more) |
|---|---|
| 1 year | Wave bye-bye; call a parent mama, dada or another special name |
| 18 months | Try to say three or more words besides mama or dada |
| 2 years | Say at least two words together, like "More milk"; use more gestures than waving and pointing, like blowing a kiss or nodding yes |
| 5 years | Tell a storyUser storyA short description of something a product should do, written from the point of view of the person who needs it, often in the form "As a, I want, so that." See more they heard or made up, with at least two events |
Children vary, and these ages mark the point most children have already reached, so many get there earlier.
Signs, gestures and words all count. A toddlerToddlerA child from 1 to 3 years old, the stage CDC's parenting guidance places between infancy and the preschool years. See more who signs "all done" or nods yes is using expressive language. Keep track of the gestures and signs along with the spoken words, because the doctor will want the whole picture.
When to talk to someone. CDC recommends talking with your child's doctor about any concern with how your child speaks or communicates. If a milestone for your child's age hasn't shown up, mention it at the next well-child visit, or call sooner if you're worried. The doctor may suggest a hearing check or a visit with a speech-language pathologistSpeech-language pathologistA professional, often called an SLP or speech therapist, who assesses and treats problems with speech, language, social communication and swallowing. See more (SLP). Write down the words and gestures your child uses today so you can describe them exactly.
Good to Know
Expressive and receptive language grow side by side, but not always at the same pace. Many toddlers understand far more than they can say, which is why doctors ask about both. NIDCD, part of the National Institutes of Health, calls the first 3 years the most intensive period for learning speech and language, so an early question is a good question. The CDC milestone checklists are free on its "Learn the Signs. Act Early." site.
FAQ
What's the difference between expressive and receptive language?
Expressive language is sending a message, by talking, signing, gesturing or later writing. Receptive language is taking in and understanding what other people say. ASHA treats them as the two sides of language.
When should a toddler put two words together?
CDC lists saying at least two words together, like "More milk," among the milestonesDevelopmental milestonesSkills most children can do by a certain age, like rolling over or waving bye-bye. CDC places each at the age 75% or more of children reach it. See more most children reach by 2 years. Since CDC sets milestones where 75% or more of children have them, it's worth asking the doctor if this hasn't happened by then.
Does sign language or pointing count as expressive language?
Yes. NIDCD notes that language can be expressed through speaking, writing, signing and other gestures. A child who points, nods or signs to ask for something is expressing themselves.
Do It in Buhata
Reminders
Set a Reminder in Buhata a few days before each well-child visit to jot down the words, signs and gestures your child uses, so you can tell the doctor exactly what you've seen.
Open BuhataRelated Terms and Categories
- Language development
How a child learns to understand and use sounds, gestures and words, from early squeals to first words, two-word phrases and short stories.
- Developmental milestones
Skills most children can do by a certain age, like rolling over or waving bye-bye. CDC places each at the age 75% or more of children reach it.
- Speech delay
When a child's talking develops more slowly than most children the same age, in making speech sounds, in using words, or both.
- Speech therapy
Treatment from a speech-language pathologist to help a child with speech sounds, understanding and using language, social communication or swallowing.
Sources
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Practice Portal, "Language In Brief"; National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), "Speech and Language Developmental Milestones"; CDC, "CDC's Developmental Milestones"; CDC, "Milestones by 2 Years"; CDC, "Milestones by 5 Years"
- www.asha.org/practice-portal/clinical-topics/spoken-language-disorders/language-in-brief
- www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/speech-and-language
- www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones/index.html
- www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones/2-years.html
- www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones/5-years.html
Last updated .