A Comparison of Language Functions Used By Normal Male and Female Pre-School Children in a Structured Setting

The present study investigated the use of language functions within a structured clinical setting. Subjects were 30 male and 30 female normal pre-school children. Findings revealed 1) a decrease in the inappropriate responses used by children with an increase in age, 2) inappropriate responses occurring primarily in the same categories across age levels regardless of sex and 3) generally males exhibiting a higher proportion of inappropriate responses. Findings are discussed relative to patterns of pragmatic language development as a function of age and sex.