Week 1: Language Samples and Theory Review

key learning concepts for the semester and language samples

language sample

a representative snapshot of a natural interaction with an individual which allows us to assess the oral language skills of an individual

benefits of language samples (4)

natural assessment, unbiased, applicable to a wide range of individuals, suitable for those with sensory or behavioural difficulties

sample factors to build rapport (6)

setting, type of tasks/questions, partners, topics, familiarity, meaningfulness and diversity of activities

factors for observing language (4)

method of data collection, sample size, collection procedure, analysis procedure

sample length

typically 50-100 utterances

representativeness of a sample

a representative sample should include as many of the child’s everyday experiences as possible

domains of language (5)

phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics

main components of Levelt (5)

conceptualiser, formulator, lexicon, articulator, self-monitoring (parser, acoustic-phonetic processor)

example tasks for input processing (3)

recognition, hearing test, rhyme judgement

example tasks for output processing (2)

naming words, picture naming