Unlocking the Power of Declarative Language: Encouraging Inference

Communication is the bridge that connects us to the world, allowing us to share experiences, gain insights, and build connections. Among the various modes of communication, declarative language stands out as a powerful tool to nurture deeper understanding, share experiences, and encourage individuals to infer information. In this blog post, we will explore how declarative language can empower learners to infer information to allow them to become more active participants in their environment.

Declarative Language as a means of facilitating problem solving

Declarative language is more than just a collection of words. It can be a vehicle for imparting information, spotlighting content, and fostering independent thinking. When used effectively, it allows learners to:

1. Recognize Conditions: Declarative language often begins with a statement about the conditions in the environment. For example, "The table is wet."

2. Infer What Needs to Be Done: The listener is then given time to infer what action or response is required based on the stated conditions. In this case, the inference might be, "I need to dry the table." If the child does not respond to the general statement: "the table is wet" after 15 seconds, a second declarative statement might be offered. For example, "the table is wet. There are paper towels on the cabinet."

3. Take Action: Finally, the individual should take the necessary action spotlighted by the declarative statement and the resulting inference. In the example, this would involve grabbing a towel and wiping the table.

This process provides a unique opportunity for learners to think critically, problem-solve, and actively engage with their surroundings. It's an essential skill that typically begins to develop in children as young as two years old. However, some individuals, especially those with special needs, may not be given sufficient opportunities to develop this skill or the time to practice it. Parents and school aides are often very quick to respond on behalf of the child. If the adult does not actually do the action, he does do the thinking. For example, he will tell the child: get the towel/ wipe the table. That is, the adult will direct the child as opposed to allowing the child the gift of time to problem solve independently.

Declarative language is a powerful tool for promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and active engagement.

Empowering Learners Through Declarative Language

Using declarative language to encourage inferring of information empowers learners in several ways:

• Assuming Responsibility: Learners take ownership of their environment and responsibilities.

• Initiating Responses: They become proactive in responding to conditions or situations.

• Listening to Non-Imperative Language: They learn to tune into conversational and incidental language.

• Responding on Behalf of Others: They develop the ability to respond not only for themselves but also on behalf of others.

• Active Participation: Overall, learners become more active and engaged participants in various aspects of life.

Changing your communication style from imperative language to declarative language can be challenging, as imperative language is often reinforced by quick responses from learners. However, the effort is well worth it in terms of promoting independent thinking and fostering a sense of responsibility.

Declarative language is a powerful tool for promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and active engagement. By incorporating it into your communication repertoire and patiently guiding learners, you can help them become more confident and independent thinkers, ready to face the world with curiosity and initiative.