Language is a system of communication involving rules for making and combining symbols into meaningful words and sentences.
Purpose: To convey thoughts and ideas to others who share the same language.
Definitions of Language
American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) Definition:
Language is a "complex and dynamic system of conventional symbols used in different modes for thought and communication."
Relationship between language and thought:
Both require the use of symbols but are distinct.
Children develop symbolic thought before they are able to speak using the symbols of language.
Bidirectional Relationship
Executive functioning and cognitive/intellectual development are closely linked:
Language development corresponds with neurological development.
Supporting executive functioning in older children can improve language skills and vice versa.
Understanding Symbols
Definition of Symbols: Various forms that convey meaning in language.
Speech: Phonemes of spoken language.
Written Language: Letters and text representation.
Manual Symbols: Examples include sign language.
Iconic Symbols: Emojis and augmentative communication symbols (e.g., pictograms).
Rules Governing Language
All languages are rule-governed.
Example in Spanish: Adjectives follow nouns (e.g., "la Mesa Roja" = "the red table").
Example in English: Adjectives precede nouns (e.g., "the red table").
Correct sentence structure is dictated by these rules, which may vary between languages.
Distinction Between Speech, Language, and Communication
Important Terminology:
Speech: Involves articulation, voice, and fluency.
Language: Refers to the words used and their combination to share ideas.
Communication: Broader concept that encompasses both speech and language.
Example of Speech Sound Disorders (SSD):
A child may produce sounds incorrectly resulting in reduced functional communication.
Despite SSD, they might have intact expressive language skills, vocabularies, and morphology.
Example of Separate Language Disorder:
A child may articulate sounds correctly but struggle with morphology or syntax, affecting their overall communication.
Understanding Domains of Language
Five Language Domains:
Pragmatics: Use of language.
Syntax: Sentence structure and rules for combining words.
Morphology: Structure of words and their component parts (e.g., morphemes).
Phonology: Sounds of language and their organization.
Semantics: Meanings of words and how they contribute to understanding larger units of meaning (phrases/sentences).
Form, Content, and Use
Language can be categorized into three broader areas:
Form: Includes Morphology, Syntax, Phonology.
Content: Refers to Semantics.
Use: Encompasses Pragmatics.
Detailed Explanation of Language Domains
Pragmatics:
Involves how language is used in context, social situations, and cultural norms.
Syntax:
Rules for word order and sentence combination.
Example:
English syntax: "I am running" vs. "I run".
Morphology:
Study of morphemes, the smallest units of meaning in language.
Examples of morphemes:
The plural "-s" in "cats" vs. the root word "cat".
Phonology:
Concerns phonemes, which are the smallest sound units in a language.
Not all phonemes are utilized in every language.
Semantics:
Focus on the meanings of words and the understanding of phrases and sentences.
Example:
The word "bat" can refer to a flying night animal or a piece of sports equipment.
Vocabulary Tiers
Tier 1 Vocabulary:
Basic, common words used in everyday conversation.
Typically acquired naturally by children in social settings.
Tier 2 Vocabulary:
More complex words used by mature speakers, often academic in nature.
Important for preparing preschoolers for school transition.
Tier 3 Vocabulary:
Specialized terminology used in specific contexts (e.g., SLP jargon).
Pragmatics and Cultural Considerations
Pragmatic skills involve how to initiate and maintain conversations, use nonverbal communication, and adapt language across different social contexts.
These skills can vary significantly among different cultures, thus affecting communication expectations.
Expressive vs. Receptive Language
These terms refer to different aspects of language ability:
Expressive Language: The ability to produce language.
Receptive Language: The ability to understand language.
It’s essential to recognize that children might struggle with one or both types and that skills can interplay.
Important Terms in Language Development
Understanding parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.) is crucial for language comprehension and production.
Focus on descriptors, prepositions, conjunctions, and advanced morphemes (e.g., past tense).
Familiarity with advanced grammatical concepts such as copula, auxiliary verbs, and modal auxiliary can enhance understanding.
Conclusion
This overview serves to review fundamental language concepts, setting the stage for further examination of normal language development, assessment, and treatment of language disorders.