Language Problems

Language problems, like other learning disabilities, are called by several different names including: delayed language, language disorder, language disability, specific language disability, etc.

Preschool children suffering temporary deafness over a period of time due to infections of the ear, or children, who have been diagnosed as hard of hearing at a late stage, will often have a language problem. However, the most common indication of a language problem is that the child started talking late, or is language delayed, as this problem is referred to in the literature.

Problems in understanding language will affect almost every aspect of school: following directions, learning vocabulary, understanding instruction, and reading. Language plays a vital role in reading. Its role in reading can be compared to the role of running in the game of soccer or ice-skating in the game of ice hockey. One cannot play soccer if one cannot run, and one cannot play ice hockey if one cannot skate. One cannot read a book in a language unless one knows that particular language. If a child's knowledge of English is poor, then his reading will also be poor.

If a child talks immaturely, or still makes unexpected grammatical errors in his speech when he is five years old, this should alert the parents to probable later reading problems. The parents should immediately take steps to improve the child's language. (See chapter 12 of the book The Right to Read in the Audiblox kit). When a child is older already, but has a history of late talking, the parents should also follow this advice.