Canadian Journal of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Connected Speech Development in a Child with Limited Language Production Experience

 
Author(s) Ann Sutton, PhD
Catherine Dench, MSc
Volume 22
Number 3
Year 1998
Page(s) 133-140
Language English
Category
Keywords augmentative
alternative
communication
AAC
Abstract Some children with severe speech and physical impairment (SSPI) needing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems may develop connected speech later in childhood, beyond the period when rapid linguistic growth typically takes place (i.e., between the ages of approximately two and six years). During the normal developmental period, therefore, they may rely primarily on language comprehension experiences in order to learn the grammar of the spoken language of the environment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expressive syntax of a child (CB) with SSPI who developed connected speech after the age of five years. Analysis of spoken utterances reported and observed in clinical records and formal evaluation of expressive syntax at age 8;6 years (i.e., 3;6 years following the onset of connected speech) revealed progress in syntactic development that equalled or exceeded the rate typically achieved under normal developmental circumstances. The results tend to support comprehension-based views of acquisition of grammatical knowledge rather than those that emphasize language production.



Certains enfants souffrant de graves handicaps de la parole ou physiques (SSPI) et ayant recours à un système de communication suppléante (CS) peuvent développer le discours continu tardivement durant leur enfance, au-delà de la période typique de croissance linguistique rapide (c.-à-d. entre l’âge de deux et six ans, environ). Donc, pendant la période de développement normal, ces enfants peuvent se fier surtout sur leurs expériences de compréhension langagières pour apprendre la grammaire du langage parlé dans leur milieu. Cette étude avait pour objectif d’examiner la syntaxe expressive d’un enfant (CB) atteint de SSPI qui a développé le discours continu après l’âge de cinq ans. L’analyse des énoncés parlés signalés et notés dans les dossiers cliniques et une évaluation formelle de la syntaxe expressive à 8;6 ans (c.-à-d. 3;6 ans suivant l’avènement du discours continu) a permis de constater le progrès du développement syntaxique équivalent ou supérieur au taux typique de circonstances de développement normales. Les résultats tendent à appuyer les théories d’acquisition des connaissances grammaticales fondées sur la compréhension plutôt que celles mettant l’accent sur la production des actes de langage.
Record ID 100
Link https://cjslpa.ca/files/1998_JSLPA_Vol_22/No_03_122-205/Sutton_Dench_HumComm_1998.pdf
 

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