Receptive language is the language you understand.

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A disorder may be seen in a child who has difficulty comprehending spoken language--can't follow directions, can't connect words to the ideas they represent.

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Expressive language is the language you use.

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A child may understand what you are telling them, but has difficulty responding using the correct words, sentence structure, or word markings. 

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Language is complex. It is made up of different parts, including:

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Semantics: word meanings

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Syntax: arrangement of language

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Morphology: the formation of words

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Pragmatics: social language use

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A comprehensive language assessment varies based on age--a baby communicates differently than a school- aged child. A combination of strategies help determine areas of weakness.