title: A clinical taxonomy for the categorization of pragmatic language functions in normal preschool children.
abstract: The present study assessed the pragmatic language skills in normal preschool children. A specially designed taxonomy was used to classify the subjects' responses. Findings revealed (1) high reliability in the use of the taxonomy; (2) a decrease in the inappropriate responses used by children with an increase in age; (3) generally, inappropriate responses were confined to the same categories across age levels. Findings are discussed relative to patterns of pragmatic language development as a function of age.
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007804:Language Development; D007807:Language Tests / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D012660:Semantics