Praxis SLP Licensure Exam

A child with deficits in the content and use of language would best be defined by which language areas?

1. Morphology and syntax

2. Semantics and pragmatics

3. Phonology and pragmatics

4. Morphology and syntax

The correct answer is: Semantics and pragmatics

The correct definition of a child with deficits in the content and use of language focuses on semantics and pragmatics. Semantics pertains to the meanings of words, phrases, and sentences—essentially the "content" of language. A child with semantic deficits may struggle with understanding or using vocabulary appropriately, which affects their ability to convey and comprehend information. Pragmatics refers to the social rules and conventions that guide how language is used in context, encompassing aspects such as turn-taking, topic maintenance, and understanding implicit meanings. This area is crucial for effective communication because it involves how language is utilized in social interactions, affecting a child's ability to engage in conversations and relate to others. Deficits in both semantics and pragmatics can result in challenges with appropriately expressing ideas, understanding social cues, and engaging in effective communication within different contexts—key elements of language use. The other options involve morphology (the structure of words) and syntax (the arrangement of words in sentences), which do not specifically address the areas of content and interaction as directly as semantics and pragmatics do.