Which of the following is a common indication of specific language impairment in children?

The identification of specific language impairment (SLI) in children often includes a tendency for literal interpretations of language. This is because children with SLI might struggle with understanding figurative language or idiomatic expressions, which typically require an understanding of context and nuance. A literal interpretation indicates that the child may not grasp the abstract or metaphorical meanings often used in conversational language, highlighting difficulties in language processing and comprehension that are characteristic of SLI.

In contrast, strong receptive vocabularies, high comprehension of metaphors, and the consistent use of complex sentences are indicators of typically developing language skills. Children with SLI are more likely to demonstrate challenges in these areas rather than excel in them. Thus, preferring literal interpretations serves as a clear sign of their difficulties with language flexibility and understanding more sophisticated language forms.