According the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), language refers to the words we use and how we use them to share ideas and get what we want.

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So what exactly does receptive and expressive language mean?

Receptive language is what you understand and expressive language is how you communicate.

We use our receptive language skills when we are reading, listening, observing, and learnings.

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We use our expressive language skills when we are writing, speaking, and responding to others.  Expressive language can include gestures, facial expressions, and sign-language