Three problems are raised concerning the concept of metalinguistic abi
lities: First, the term metalinguistic refers not to language but to l
inguistics. Secondly, some paradoxical behaviors occur at the same dev
elopmental level. Thirdly, metalinguistic interventions are moderately
efficient: Why are they efficient but to such a moderate degree? Thes
e three problems must be dealt with in order to better understand what
metalinguistic means.