A clinical taxonomy for the categorization of pragmatic language functions in normal preschool children

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.