A study examined the connection between language skills, pragmatics, and social competence in French-speaking preschoolers, focusing on children at risk for developmental language disorder (DLD). Researchers assessed 63 children aged 36 to 59 months, with 12 identified as at risk for DLD. Evaluations included vocabulary, morphosyntax, pragmatic skills, and narrative abilities, while childcare educators provided insights on social competence.

Results indicated that children at risk for DLD showed greater dependence on adults compared to their peers without DLD, though no significant differences were found in other aspects of social competence. The study also established a link between pragmatic and personal narrative skills and social adjustment. These findings support the idea that social challenges in children with DLD may stem from limited language abilities rather than inherent socio-emotional issues. The research emphasizes the significance of fostering early pragmatic and narrative development to enhance social competence in preschoolers.