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Declarative Language

9/6/2015

21 Comments

 
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One thing that we feel makes PPTFTH unique is our communication style with our clients. We mindfully use declarative language in all of our interactions, because we know this speaking style does so many things! For example, it helps children feel comfortable because it is inviting in nature, rather than demand based. So many of the kids we know with vulnerable language or social communication abilities shy away when faced with interactions that are based in questions or commands. It develops inferential thinking: declarative language does not tell children what to do, but helps them to know what may be important to notice, so that they can then draw important conclusions on their own. It leaves room for children to take action, thereby encouraging spontaneity and independence. It helps develop curiosity, as it plants seeds of wonder in the minds of others. It supports problem solving because it emphasizes and spotlights the process of problem solving, over getting the right answer. It creates reason for social interaction, as it helps kids notice and think about others within naturally occurring opportunities.

Previously, when I have written on this topic, it has been in relation to individuals with ASD. However, those who use declarative language and promote its use (such as Kristen Jacobsen and Sarah Ward, the gurus in executive function), know that it is truly an effective strategy for most language learners and communicators.  It is especially effective for those struggling with executive function, and more subtle social communication difficulties. A child need not have a diagnosis of ASD to benefit greatly from this strategy.

So, what exactly is declarative language, you wonder? With declarative language, we are essentially thinking out loud for the child to hear, so that he or she can benefit from our models, and start to do the same for themselves: Think, notice, wonder, and essentially, appreciate that there is a thinking process behind all that we do. Declarative language allows us all (kids and adults) to slow down and think, become better observers of our environment and other people, and take note of those moments when a decision may need to be made.

Declarative language helps us move away from being product focused (do XYZ!!), and instead appreciate the process behind all that we do. It allows us all to hang out in moments that are less certain, rather than panic or feel like we have to do something quickly, simply to get it done. If we can help our kids become more comfortable with those moments where they feel less certain, or less sure of themselves, we will most definitely be on our way to great things.

Here are some nuts and bolts:

Declarative language is:
  • commenting, or making statements, out loud about what we think, notice, remember, feel, wonder about, observe, etc.
  • flexible. It allows for more than one possible way to respond. Often we may not even realize this until the child responds in a way that is different from what we were expecting, yet still completely acceptable to the situation!

Declarative language may include:
  • cognitive verbs, or verbs that talk about our thinking process such as think, wonder, know, remember, forget, decide, and imagine.
  • observational words related to our senses such as notice, hear, see, smell and feel.
  • words or phrases that communicate emotion such as I’m not sure, I like, I don’t like, I feel happy, silly, excited, afraid, nervous, embarrassed, or upset.
  • first person pronouns such as I, we or us.
  •  words of uncertainty or possibility such as maybe, might, possibly, perhaps and sometimes.

Declarative language is NOT:
  • questions or commands that have a specific right and wrong answer.
  • demanding. With declarative language, we make a statement that invites a response, but does not require, or demand, it.

Here are some examples to get you started:
I’m wondering where your shoes are.
I notice your clothes did not make it into the hamper!
I’m thinking we might need some forks.
I heard your friend say that she wants to use the red crayon when you are done.
I notice that you really like that swing.
I forget what you said you wanted for lunch.
I notice it is almost time to change classes.
I see the other students are starting to pack up their belongings.
I just remembered that we need milk for this recipe.
I could really use some help carrying this bag.
I realized both you and your classmate like Legos!
I didn’t like when that happened. It made me feel a little nervous.
It made me really happy when you said you like playing with me.

In my experience in working with parents, I know that shifting to this speaking style can be hard work. It requires us to be more thoughtful in our communication with kids, and therefore requires us to slow down (and who has time to slow down, right?!). But, because this is what we want our kids to become someday: independent individuals who can problem solve, connect with others, and be thoughtful in their decision making, it truly is worth the effort.

Authored by Linda Murphy MS, CCC-SLP

21 Comments
Annette Brown
9/8/2015 09:18:03 am

I am going to try this with my 7 year old who stutters and also has language, learning and behavioral issues. He was also diagnosed with capd. If you have any other info that could help me that would be great. Thank you for your info.

Reply
Linda Murphy link
9/9/2015 06:35:28 pm

Hi Annette,

Slowing down and pacing the information you present is also really important along with your declarative language use. For example, make a comment but then pause and wait a few moments before saying anything more (don't be afraid to wait up to 20 seconds even). Waiting quietly and slowing down are an important strategies for communication partners to use when with kids who experience dysfluency and/or auditory processing difficulties as well because this (1) reduces pressure to speak (which can exacerbate stuttering and (2) gives kids time to process what we have said. I am glad you are going to give it a try!

Reply
fathia
9/11/2015 03:58:41 pm

Thanks a lot for your precious tips. I'trying this with my three-year old ASD child who often looks at me puzzled or with a wondering look for a while but later seems to understand me. What else can help him?

Reply
Linda Murphy
9/17/2015 02:41:39 am

Hi Fathia,

Thanks for using declarative language and your question! I think it is a learning process around those next steps. I plan to write a part 2 to this blog post where I can explore topics such as troubleshooting (when the child does not respond or seems puzzled as you say), and how to fade back our declarative cues to provide more opportunities to think as the child is ready. But, I think if you are using declarative language more and more throughout your day (instead of more directive and imperative language), and providing your son time to process and respond, you are on the right track. Keep it going and watch for changes in his communication and language!

Reply
Monty Bridges link
12/14/2020 11:02:19 pm

Greeat post thanks

Reply
Tex Hooper link
9/28/2021 03:15:54 pm

I like your speech tips. I need to get a therapist. I had a stroke.

Reply
Katherine Keadle
10/14/2021 12:44:03 pm

I am looking for a way to use this approach with my 10 year old daughter who keeps sneaking food daily when she’s bored, upset at herself or another, anxious, super excited. Adhd, Anxiety, Depression, sensory processing issues. We’ve been to every professional psychiatrist (on med for adhd and anxiety), Dietitian, therapist, Occupational therapist with no luck.

Reply
Linda Murphy
10/14/2021 02:40:00 pm

Hi Katherine! She may benefit from feeding therapy or occupational therapy. You can call our office at 978-712-0003 ext. 0 to set up a phone call with one of our therapists to see if we may be able to help you!

Reply
nadezhda raph
10/17/2021 12:25:20 pm

thank you

Reply
blooming therapies link
12/31/2021 03:20:14 pm

We offer customized Speech Therapy and Language Development Programs for children to adults during the day, evenings and weekends.

Reply
Lhynzie link
1/30/2022 06:48:38 pm

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Reply
John Carston link
3/2/2022 06:04:19 pm

My favorite part of this article is the importance of children feeling comfortable when talking about their needs. My sister told me that she is looking for a speech pathology that can help my nephew with communicating, and she asked if I have any suggestions. Thanks to this helpful article, I'll be sure to tell her that she can consult a trusted speech pathology as they can help us with our concerns.

Reply
Reese Evans link
4/9/2022 10:44:21 pm

This language is specific for the some kind of specific people.

Reply
Lincoln University of Business and management link
6/13/2022 03:58:10 am

Thanks for sharing. Great news on declarative <a href = "https://lincoln-edu.ae/course/mba-in-project-and-operations-management-gbs/"> language</a>

Reply
Gaurav link
6/13/2022 04:00:34 am

Thanks for your declarative knowledge on <a href = "https://lincoln-edu.ae/course/mba-in-project-and-operations-management-gbs/">learning</a>

Reply
Social DBT link
6/28/2022 07:14:45 am

Awesome piece, thank you for sharing it very insightful.
I know how hard it is for anyone who need to deal with this and these info were very helpful

Reply
Jr D link
7/8/2022 03:13:02 am

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Reply
Ryan
9/16/2022 01:27:03 pm

Thank you! So useful! This got my creative juices flowing to create a game for parent coaching- how can I turn this sentence from directive to declarative? Great work!

Reply
Rick Martin link
1/5/2023 02:59:21 am

Great blog!! Actually its a masterpiece for people who interested in the subject on <a href = "https://lincoln-edu.ae/course/msc-in-project-management/">declarative language</a>

Reply
Imran link
1/5/2023 03:26:04 am

Great content and one of the effective writing skills on board

Reply
Paresh link
1/5/2023 03:35:36 am

Absolutely!! It creates reason for social interaction and one of the best blog i have seen today

Reply



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    Linda Murphy and Mary Lou Gagnon plan to contribute to our blog, but we also will be inviting our talented team to write on topics of interest to them.

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