Language as a functional tool
Language is not just a collection of words or sentences; it is a dynamic tool for communication that shapes how people interact with their environment and with each other. B. F. Skinner introduced the concept of verbal behavior in 1957, focusing on the function of language rather than its structure. His framework underpins applied behavior analysis (ABA) approaches to language development, and offers systematic methods to teach and assess communication skills.
Introduction to verbal behavior
Verbal behavior is a form of communication reinforced through the mediation of another person. Unlike traditional views of language that focus on grammar and syntax, verbal behavior emphasizes what language does — its practical use in social and functional contexts. For example, a child who learns to say “water” to get a drink is engaging in verbal behavior that fulfills a need.
Understanding how verbal behavior works lets practitioners design targeted interventions to improve communication in people with developmental delays or language disorders.
Key verbal operants
Skinner categorized verbal behavior into functional units called verbal operants, each serving a distinct purpose in communication.
Mands (requests)
- Definition: a mand is a request made to satisfy a need or desire.
- Example: a child says “cookie” to ask for a cookie.
- Application in ABA: practitioners teach mands by reinforcing a successful request, so that communication is purposeful and rewarding.
Tacts (labels)
- Definition: a tact is used to label or identify objects, actions, or events.
- Example: a child sees a dog and says “dog.”
- Application in ABA: tacts are developed through observation and reinforcement, helping people describe their environment.
Echoics (imitation)
- Definition: echoics involve repeating words or phrases spoken by someone else.
- Example: a therapist says “ball,” and the child repeats “ball.”
- Application in ABA: echoics are foundational for building more complex language skills, and are often the starting point for nonverbal learners.
Intraverbals (conversational responses)
- Definition: intraverbals are responses to questions or prompts that involve verbal exchanges.
- Example: when asked “What’s your name?” the child responds “Sara.”
- Application in ABA: intraverbals encourage conversational skills, so that people can take part in social interactions.
Applying verbal behavior in everyday situations
Verbal behavior strategies can be built into daily routines and activities, which makes learning functional and relevant:
- Mands: a child requests juice during breakfast.
- Tacts: while reading a book, the child points to a picture of a car and says “car.”
- Echoics: a parent sings a song, and the child repeats parts of the lyrics.
- Intraverbals: during playtime, a therapist asks “What’s your favorite toy?” and the child responds.
Embedding these operants into daily interactions helps people generalize language skills, so they are not just learned but actively used.
Worked example: using mands to build communication
Scenario. A five-year-old nonverbal child struggles to express their needs, which leads to frequent frustration. The therapist begins by teaching mands using a preferred item, such as a toy car.
ABA strategy.
- The therapist shows the child the toy car but withholds it until the child makes a gesture or vocalization (for example, “car”).
- On successful communication, the child receives the car right away as reinforcement.
- Over time, the therapist moves from gestures to vocal mands, gradually increasing the complexity of the requests (for example, “I want the car”).
Outcome. The child learns to use language to meet their needs, which reduces frustration and supports their ability to interact with others.
Conclusion
Understanding verbal behavior and its components is essential for designing effective ABA interventions. Focusing on the functional aspects of language lets practitioners teach people to communicate in meaningful ways, whether that is asking for a favorite toy, labeling their environment, or taking part in a conversation. Verbal operants provide both the building blocks for language development and a structured but flexible approach to supporting communication.
References
- Skinner, B. F. (1957). Verbal Behavior.
- Sundberg, M. L., & Partington, J. W. (1998). Teaching Language to Children with Autism or Other Developmental Disabilities.
- Higbee, T. S. (2006). Implementing Natural Environment Teaching (NET) in ABA.