Listening Characteristics What it Looks Like in an Adult
Has problems perceiving slight distinctions in words. Misunderstands a message with a word mistaken for a similar word. Might say, "Pick up the grass," instead of, "Pick up the glass."
Has a limited vocabulary. Recognizes and uses fewer words than peers when engaged in conversation or when gathering information by listening.
Finds abstract words or concepts difficult to understand. Requests repetitions or more concrete explanations of ideas. Frequently asks for examples.
Has difficulty with nonliteral or figurative language such as metaphors, idioms and sarcasm. Does not understand jokes or comic strips.
Confuses the message in complex sentences. Will eat lunch first if given the direction, "Eat lunch after you take this to the mail room."
Has difficulty with verbal memory. Doesn't remember directions, phone numbers, jokes, stories, etc.
Has difficulty processing large amounts of spoken language. Gets lost listening in classroom or large group presentations, complaining that people talk too fast.
Speaking Characteristics What it Looks Like in an Adult
Mispronounces words. Adds, substitutes or rearranges sounds in words, as in phemomenon for phenomenon or Pacific for specific.
Uses wrong word, usually with similar sounds. Uses a similar-sounding word, like generic instead of genetic.
Confuses the morphology, or structure, of words. Uses the wrong form of a word, such as calling the Declaration of Independence the Declaring of Independence.
Has a limited vocabulary. Uses the same words over and over in giving information and explaining ideas. Has difficulty conveying ideas.
Makes grammatical errors. Omits or uses grammatical markers incorrectly, such as tense, number, possession and negation.
Speaks with a limited repertoire of phrase and sentence structure. Uses mostly simple sentence construction. Overuses and to connect thoughts.
Has difficulty organizing what to say. Has problems giving directions or explaining a recipe; talks around the topic (circumlocutes), but doesn't get to point.
Has trouble maintaining a topic. Interjects irrelevant information into story. Starts out discussing one thing and then goes off in another direction without making the connection.
Has difficulty with word retrieval. Can't call forth a known word when it is needed and may use fillers, such as "ummm," and "You know." May substitute a word related in meaning or sound, as in boat for submarine or selfish for bashful. May use an "empty word," such as stuff. May describe rather than name, as in a boat that goes underwater.
Has trouble with the pragmatic or social use of language. Does not follow rules of conversation like turn-taking. Does not switch styles of speaking when addressing different people.