NORM COM UNITS 1-2

Speech

The dynamic neuromuscular process of producing speech sounds for communication; a verbal means of expression.

Phoneme

The smallest linguistic unit of sounds, each with distinctive features, that can signal a difference in meaning when modified.

Language

A socially shared code or conventional system for representing concepts through the use of arbitrary symbols and rule-governed combinations of those symbols.

Communication

The exchange of information, ideas, needs and desires, between two or more individuals.

Dialects

Subcategories of a parent language that uses similar but not identical rules.

Deficit Approach

Notion that only one dialect of a language is inherently correct or standard and that others are substandard or exhibit some deficit.

Sociolinguistic Approach

Considers that all dialectal variation is related to each other and the idealized standard; each dialect is a valid rule system.

Code Switching

Process of varying between two or more languages.

Bilingual

Fluent in two languages; uses two languages on a daily basis.

Paralinguistic Codes

Vocal and non-vocal codes superimposed on linguistic code to signal the speaker's attitude or emotion.

Non-Linguistic Cues

Coding devices that contribute to communication but are not a part of speech, such as gestures and facial expressions.

Syntax

Organizational rules specifying word order, sentence organization, and word relationships.

Morphology

Aspect of language concerned with the rules governing change in meaning at the intraword level.

Morpheme

Smallest unit of meaning; indivisible without violating the meaning.

Phonology

Aspect of language concerned with the rules governing the structure, distribution, and sequencing of speech-sound patterns.

Semantics

Aspect of language concerned with the meaning or content of words or grammatical units.

Pragmatics

Aspect of language concerned with language use within a communication context.