Pragmatic disorders: A question of direction

ABSTRACT The study of pragmatic disorders has assumed increasing importance during the last ten years, as evidenced by the marked increase in research studies and publications in this area. However, although these studies have contributed to a better understanding of disabilities in the use of language, the current literature is characterised by a lack of theoretical rigour. This can be seen in two major aspects: 1) in the widespread terminological confusion reflecting a lack of a consistent descriptive framework for the analysis of naturally occurring talk, and 2) in the lack of an explanatory theory of the relationship between pragmatic disability and language development in general. As a result, many current studies are poorly designed and unable to address basic issues in this research area. The present paper reviews these questions critically and recommends the use of detailed case studies of children with pragmatic disorders as a necessary preliminary to future progress in this area.