Speech vs. Language: What’s the Difference? A Guide for Parents and Educators
Speech vs. Language: Understanding the Difference
As a parent, educator, or caregiver, you’ve probably heard the terms speech and language used interchangeably. But did you know they refer to two distinct parts of communication? Understanding the difference is crucial when supporting a child’s development or seeking help from a speech-language pathologist (SLP) or speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA).
In this post, we’ll break it down in a clear, easy-to-understand way.
What is Speech?
Speech is the physical act of producing sounds that form words. It includes:
Articulation – how clearly we produce sounds (like saying “r” in "rabbit")
Voice – the use of our vocal cords and breath
Fluency – the rhythm and flow of speech (as in stuttering)
A child with a speech delay or disorder might have trouble saying certain sounds or may speak in a way that's difficult to understand. Learn more about common speech sound disorders here.
What is Language?
Language is the system we use to express and understand meaning. It includes:
Receptive Language – understanding what others say
Expressive Language – using words, phrases, and sentences to communicate ideas
Pragmatic Language – the social use of language (like taking turns in conversation)
A child with a language delay might struggle with following directions, putting words together, or using the right words to express themselves. For more on this topic, check out ASHA’s resource on language development.
Why It Matters
Understanding whether a child is experiencing a speech delay, a language delay, or both is essential because it guides what kind of support they need. A child with a speech delay might know what they want to say but have difficulty pronouncing sounds clearly, making them hard to understand. Meanwhile, a child with a language delay might speak clearly but struggle to form sentences, understand others, or use language appropriately.
It’s also important to know the role of the professionals who support them. Both SLPs (Speech-Language Pathologists) and SLPAs (Speech-Language Pathology Assistants) play vital roles in assessing and helping children. If you're not sure about the difference between the two, this article explains it well.
Identifying the type of delay early can help caregivers and professionals deliver effective support that enhances a child’s communication, learning, and confidence.
How SLPs and SLPAs Help
SLPs and SLPAs work together to support children in both areas. They may:
Use play-based therapy to target vocabulary or articulation
Help families with home practice activities
Support bilingual children in both languages
Early Signs to Watch For
If you're concerned about a child's communication, here are a few red flags:
By 18 months, no spoken words
By 2 years, not combining two words (e.g., “more juice”)
By 3 years, hard to understand even by family
Trouble understanding simple questions or following directions
Early support can make a big difference! Learn more from the CDC’s Developmental Milestones.
Tips for Supporting Children
Here are simple ways to support a child’s communication every day:
Talk, read, and sing with them often
Use gestures and visual cues
Repeat and expand on what they say
Be patient and give them time to respond
Limit screen time and encourage real conversations
Understanding the difference between speech and language can help you better support the children in your life—whether you're a parent, teacher, or fellow SLP or SLPA. If you ever have concerns, don’t hesitate to seek a professional evaluation.
Concerned About Your Child’s Communication?
Contact APA Speech Therapy Inc. for a FREE consultation with a licensed speech therapist. Let’s work together to support your child’s growth!