What is the Difference Between Speech and Language ?

"Speech" refers to how we say the sounds and words.

This involves articulation so producing speech sounds correctly and speaking clearly so we are intelligible to others. It also involves fluency so being able to speak smoothly without stopping, repeating sounds, words or phrases. 

"Language” refers to the words we understand (receptive language) and the words we use (expressive language) 

Receptive language includes understanding spoken language, directions and basic concepts. It includes understanding story elements and questions about a story as well as making inferences. 

Expressive language involves expressing thoughts, wants and needs in age appropriate words or complete sentences. It involves specific vocabulary words and telling sequential stories. It also refers to the order in which we use these words and the way we show things like plurals, tenses and pronouns.

Language does not have to be spoken language.

Ok but why does the difference matter?!

The reason that we care about the difference is because it affects what we do. We choose different therapy approaches depending on what the underlying difficulties and strengths are.

For many children, the difficulty is with both speech (sounds) and language (understanding/words), but for some it's one or the other!