Language Disorders in Children

language delays

language acquisition at a slower rate than expected given child’s age and level of functioning; not usually labeled until over 3 months past the normal developmental age

language disorder

disruption in the learning of language skills and behaviors; may involve dysfunction in form, content, or function of language

language difference

language behavior and skills not inline with the person’s primary speech community or native language; ex: English second language learners having a mix between English habits and their native language habits

adequate context

In the absence of _____ _______, comprehension is impossible. This is extremely important for kids learning to interpret unfamiliar words.

development is predictable, developmental milestones are about the same in most kids, development opportunities are needed, children go through developmental changes, and individuals vary greatly

What are the five principles of Owen’s language and communication development system?

nature vs nurture theories

theories that argue language development is either a result of genes, environment, or a mix of both

nativism

nature theory of language development that states the capacity for language development is innate and language comes as the child grows

mentalism

nature theory of language development that states one’s knowledge about language is derived from innate mental processes

empiricism

nurture theory of language development that states that language is not innate but develops because of experiences

behaviorism

nurture theory of language development that states language is not innate but develops as verbalizations are positively reinforced by caregivers

connectionist theory

theory of language development that argues it is both nature and nurture; state language is innate but there is no specific gene responsible for grammar development, instead an innate neural network (nature) is shaped by interactions from the environment (nurture)

cognitive theory

theory of language development created by Piaget that states language is a result of cognitive development and organization

psycholingusitic theory

a compilation of several theories of language development created by Chomsky that explains the relationship between language form and cognitive processing

sociolinguistic

pragmatics theory of language development that is the study of social and cultural influences on language structures

speech acts

an act that a speaker performs when making an utterance to order, request, or assert; three levels: locutionary, illocutionary perlocutionary

locutionary

level of speech act that describes the literal meaning of a sentence

illocutionary

level of speech act that describes the intention of the speech act from the speaker

perlocutionary

level of speech act that describes the listener’s interpretation of the speech act; 1st language development theory to acknowledge the role the listener plays in language