The terms language, speech, and communication are used interchangeably by most people. When children or adults are seen by a speech-language pathologist (SLP), however, each of these terms refers to specific behaviors that are assessed and treated differently. Language is a symbolic code organized by rule-governed combinations that are socially shared. Children learn to use
Written language assessment plays a pivotal role in school psychology, offering a comprehensive understanding of students’ literacy development and facilitating tailored interventions. This article explores the multifaceted landscape of written language assessment within educational settings. Beginning with an examination of the theoretical foundations, it delves into emergent literacy theories, psycholinguistic models, and socio-cultural perspectives that
The language acquisition device (LAD) was proposed by Noam Chomsky to explain how children, when exposed to any human language, are able to learn it within only a few years following birth. Chomsky argued that all humans are born with the knowledge of what makes a human language. Included in this innate knowledge must be
American Sign Language (ASL) is the principal language of the signing deaf community in the United States. There are estimated to be as many as 500,000 ASL signers, making it one of the most frequently used languages in North America. ASL, however, is only one of many sign languages used by deaf people around the