Which goal best targets pragmatic language development in a child?

• A. In a play context, the child will request a turn.
• B. The child will produce a two-word combination 90 percent of the time.
• C. The child will produce a correct velars 90 percent of the time.
• D. The child will tell a story with irregular past tense forms 90 percent of the time.

Answer: (A)

Pragmatic language development is about using language to interact with others and participate in social situations. In a play context, the child’s request for a turn shows the ability to initiate communication, negotiate participation, and follow social norms of conversation. These are core aspects of pragmatics—using language with a purpose in real interactions.

The other options focus on language form or articulation rather than social use. Producing a two-word combination is a milestone in syntax/semantics, not how language functions in social exchanges. Producing correct velars is about articulation. Telling a story with irregular past tense forms emphasizes grammar and narrative structure, not everyday social interaction.

So, requesting a turn in play best targets pragmatic language development because it demonstrates purposeful, social use of language to engage with others.