Dramatic play and language development

Play has a significant effect on the development of a child’s home language (first language or L1). It integrates mental and physical activities in a meaningful manner and is fun, interesting, and engaging for the child. Play often involves private speech (in children aged between 2-7 years, in L1), more commonly known as ‘self-talk’, which leads to the development of language skills. As a child engages himself/ herself in play, he/ she uses private speech to regulate his/her behaviour. Over time, private speech manifests as thoughts. In the process, the learner also has ample opportunities to practice his/her receptive and expressive skills. As children grow up, the language they use in their pretend play also evolves to a level where not only can they describe their actions, but also the play scenario and roles which enables counterfactual thinking in them