Many children struggle with comprehension of figurative language. Figurative language saturates much of our daily conversations and reading materials. Without a solid understanding of idioms, metaphors, similes, rhetorical questions, irony, and hyperbole, students do not comprehend the true meaning of intended language. To properly decipher figurative language, one needs an expansive vocabulary, the ability to understand language in context and to defer literal meanings, a solid grasp of the inflectional processes that accompany language, and an understanding that words can have multiple meanings. Teaching figurative language is often a component of treatment for older children with language disabilities.
One aspect of figurative language is the comprehension and use of idioms. Everyday social interactions as well as written texts are filled with idioms. When children, especially adolescents, do not understand common idioms, there may be social and academic implications. Children who are able to engage in figurative language with their peers become more socially adaptable. Alternatively, when a child does not understand the sayings, he/she may feel isolated. Academic success can also suffer if students can not process idioms, especially when confronted with them during teachers’ discourse and reading materials in the classroom. Here are some examples of common idioms that students with language impairments may struggle with comprehending:
Ø Give someone the cold shoulder
Ø Crack a joke
Ø Full of baloney
Ø Play it by ear
Ø Sleep on it
Ø The last straw
Ø My lips are sealed
Ø Spill the beans
Ø Elbow room only
Ø Down to earth
Ø Coast is clear
Ø A broken heart
Ø Dirt cheap
As parents, we need to keep our “ears open” to even subtle cues that a child is confused. If your child struggles with any aspect of figurative language, contact a speech therapist at Child and Family Development (704-541-9080) to discuss his/her difficulties. Additionally, here are some websites for working with children at home:
www.readwritethink.org/materials/idioms
With appropriate attention, your child might “be all smiles” as he/she understands more idioms during daily interactions!
-Lisa Peterson, M.S., CCC-SLP
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