Abstract This paper discusses the speechdisorder of dysarthria in terms of etilogy, incidence, evaluation and case histories. The paper begins by presenting symptoms of dysarthria. Next, the paper looks at the area of the nervous system that is affected by the disorder and asks how this connects to the severity of the condition. The paper concludes with a discussion about the importance of proper assessment.
From the Paper "Dysarthria is a speech disorder due to a weakness in or lack of coordination of the speech muscles. The presenting symptoms of this condition include slurred speech, speaking softly or..."
Abstract The paper shows that the mission of Toni Morrison is to see that black people have been able to restore the power of their speech on their tongue. She wants to see it restored through literature, which for centuries have represented emotions and experiences of the people who have suppressed the speech of black people. The paper shows that while other forms of art have lost their power, literature still holds promises of reversing the trend, enabling black people to revive their passion for language.
Abstract This paper discusses that, by definition, a speech or language impediment is a communications disorder, which is associated either with the impaired ability to produce sounds or normal voice or to speak fluently and is often associated with various learning disorders. The author points out that young people with speech or language impairments struggle to understand abstract concepts such as time, have problems learning to read, find it difficult to switch conversation topics, generally feel isolated and don't make friends easily. The paper relates that apraxia is a speechdisorder in which voluntary muscle movement is impaired but, unlike dysarthria, there is no problem with the transmission of controlling messages to the speech; therefore, apraxia is more amenable to classroom therapies.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Types of Speech and Learning impediments
Stammering and Stuttering
Dyslexia
Dysarthria
Apraxia
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
From the Paper "Dyslexia is an inherited condition which can be a severe learning impediment. It has a direct effect on reading and writing skills, but has absolutely nothing to do with the level of a child's intelligence. It is estimated that between four and five percent of the population are dyslectic. A dyslexic has "tiny differences in specific language areas of the brain which can cause varying degrees of difficulty in learning when using words and symbols." About sixty percent of those suffering from dyslexia find it hard to identify and arrange sounds within words; which inevitably leads to problems with reading, writing and spelling."
Abstract This paper looks at the relationship between stuttering, a speechdisorder of dysfluency, which is classified as a speech problem and expressive language problems, which are classified as languagedisorders. It discusses how stuttering can appear to be a relatively minor communication problem, as the person knows what he or she wants to say and how it is the ability to communicate that separates us from the other animals. It demonstrates how communication is central to what makes us human and how stuttering can disrupt the normal rhythm of social interaction.
Outline
Introduction
Cause
Language Skills and Fluency
Research on the Topic
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "Recent research in brain imaging has produced interesting new information. MRI's used to compare the brains of stutterers and non-stutterers showed anatomical differences in two areas used in language production: Broca's area and Wernicke's area (Perkins, 2001). This could easily lead one to assume that the cause of stuttering is a structural brain difference, but this might be an incorrect interpretation. The brain is plastic, and it is possible that these areas change over time as a result of the stuttering. However, it does give evidence regarding the involuntary nature of dysfluency (Perkins, 2001). Other neurological research suggests that the right hemisphere may be interfering with the language activities of the left hemisphere (Sobel, 2001). Other research implicates other parts of the brain. The region of the brain that processes hearing is active when fluent speakers speak but underactive when stutterers speak."
An in-depth discussion and analysis of the article ""Language Problems in Children with Learning Disabilities: Do They Interfere with Maternal Communication?" by Helena Rasku-Puttonen.
Abstract This research delves into the still open question of the influence of family interaction on communication impairments and learning disabilities. It shows how some have suggested that interactional or family environment factors combined with neurocognitive issues are relevant in the etiology, the manifestation, and the maintenance of learning disabilities, since guided participation through joint involvement with parents as well as with other social partners is essential for "learning to learn." The paper explains how this is where the child first learns to handle intellectual skills and tools such as language. Some parental behaviors are thought to hinder language development. Children with learning disabilities show the inability to employ effective communication strategies, and this lack seems to develop over time. It analyzes why children with languagedisorders show greater difficulty in selecting and using appropriate vocabulary than do children with languagedisorders, but why the evidence implicates underlying language deficits for children with LD as well.
From the Paper "This article reports on a study of parent-child interaction by observing two carefully matched subgroups: 1) school-age boys with learning disabilities (LD) who showed a discrepancy between their verbal IQ and performance IQ and had more extensive difficulties in higher-level language abilities; and 2) boys with LD who did not manifest a discrepancy between verbal IQ and performance IQ. The effects of the child's language problems on child task performance and on the quality of maternal communication were analyzed in a mother-child problem solving task. Children in the first group were found to be less successful on the task than children in the second group, and their mothers also showed lower communication clarity in their instructions than the mothers of the children in the second group. The researcher also notes an interesting interaction effect for communication deviances. For mothers in the first group, the extent of deficient communication increased from the monologue to the dialogue situation, whereas communication deviances decreased for mothers in the second group. This leads to a discussion of three possible models to explain the differences between the two groups."
Abstract There are a number of different interventions available to the speech-language specialist. All interventions have their benefits, but not to all students. Because of the many models available, however, the speech-language specialist should be able to find one that meshes with his or her working style and is beneficial to his or her clients. This speech-language pathology paper discusses the the pull-out intervention model and offers support for its use.
From the Paper "At one time, speech-language specialists in a school setting worked in isolation from the rest of the teaching staff. This isolation was not merely physical; rather, the lesson plan used by the speech-language specialist existed in isolation as well. With legislation that requires integration of all subject programs--including those like speech therapy--this model of speech-language therapy delivery has changed. The number of speech-language specialists in the schools will increase, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, due to the influx of specialists coming under contract to fill these requirements (par. 22). "
Abstract The paper defines the neurological disorder apraxia of speech as the difficulty of a child to form sounds into words. This paper introduces and discusses apraxia of speech in children, some of its characteristics (delay in speech, feeding problems), diagnosis, treatment (repetitive speech exercises), and the future of children affected with the disease.
From the Paper "Apraxia of speech has certain telltale characteristics. Before a child is diagnosed with apraxia, and audiologist should be consulted to make sure the speech problem is not associated with a hearing problem. There are many signs in young and older children that they might have apraxia. They usually do not coo and babble when they are babies. They delay saying their first words, and when they do, they are missing sounds. They also only can say a few different consonants, and have a hard time combining sounds. The simplify words, and replace hard sounds with easier sounds. They may have feeding problems, too."
Abstract This paper takes a look at language and speech development in young children. According to this paper, this development is quite rapid, unless there are issues. Children with language development issues are recognised at an early age. This paper takes a look at specific examples of two children and their language and speech development.
From the Paper "Children rapidly begin learning different words beginning as early as six months. Looking at the examples of Adam and Mike show that normal language develops quickly unless the child develops language problems. There are expected language behaviors for children of different ages. These behaviors should be seen by observing different conversations with children. Parents and teachers can do some simple strategies to help children build their word knowledge. Adam is four years and seven months old. He should be able to carry on a normal conversation with an adult using extensive verbalization as he plays, yet Adam barely talks to the adult."
Abstract This paper examines the theories of Anna Wierzbicka and her use of a "metalanguage" in order to solve the ambiguities and culture-contextual problems inherent in language. The paper argues the absurdity of Wierzbicka's theory.
From the Paper "In her piece, "Speech Acts and Speech Genres Across Languages and Cultures", Anna Wierzbicka attempts to construct a 'metalanguage' for linguists to define foreign terms and concepts. (1992) This metalanguage, as it was proposed, would eliminate the ambiguity of using culturally loaded words when attempting to define speech acts, genres, and events in other languages. While her initial premise concerning culturally loaded text was intriguing; the attempted creation of a pseudo-scientific 'metalanguage' was not only absurd, but also defied her own initial discussion on the specific cultural context of speech acts."
Tags:language, linguistics, proto, speech, wierzbicka, anna, matalanguage, culture
Abstract Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neuro-degenerative disorder producing deterioration of the motor cortex and motoneurons of the brainstem and spinal cord. In particular, patients are affected by the vulnerability of the cranial motoneurons that assist speech and swallowing. The disease usually leads to death in 3 to 5 years due to respiratory complications.
Abstract This paper explains that Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech was delivered before 250,000 people, black and white, who came to Washington, D.C. to protest how black citizens were treated and to promote the passage of laws that would help black people get equal treatment. The author points out that King's strategies were (1) to justify and encourage his black followers, (2) to reassure moderate whites that blacks only wanted their rights as American citizens and did not intend to be violent and (3) to warn the opposition (southern white racists) that blacks would not give up until they were given equal rights and legal protections. The paper relates that the pathos of the speech was delivered in poetic terms, often using Biblical language, repetition and references to famous American phrases such as "... all men are created equal".
From the Paper "In the audience at the Lincoln Memorial were both black people (about 80%) who wanted equality, jobs, and freedom and white people (about 20%) who sympathized and wanted to help. King said black members of that audience had come "out of great trials and tribulations." They were people who had endured terrible persecutions, including lynching and police brutality. He called it "creative suffering." He implied that God would reward them because "unearned suffering is redemptive." Many of the people were from the South--Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia, and ..."
Abstract The paper examines Barack Obama's "Audacity of Hope" speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention and analyzes why it thrust him onto the national stage. The paper discusses Obama's message of pride, unity, change and hope through his use of ethos, kairos, pathos, beautiful language and rhetorical prowess. The paper therefore shows why "The Audacity of Hope" speech will always stand as a shining example of American rhetoric and patriotism.
From the Paper "Some people consider Barack Obama a messianic figure who will save our nation. Others consider him an intellectual elitist who basks in his achievements. Others consider him a radical liberal with terrorist connections. But most consider him a hard-working and charismatic statesman who will strengthen diplomatic relations with other countries. Despite these different views, everyone agrees that Barack Obama is perhaps the greatest orator of our times. It was his "Audacity of Hope" speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, which thrust him onto the national stage. From California to Mississippi, his words captivated our minds and touched our hearts. His speech made us think, made us cry, and most importantly, made us dream of a brighter tomorrow by stirring our spirits and moving our soul."
Abstract The paper reveals the linguistic definition of politeness and shows how politeness is an integral part of speech. The paper discusses how the use of politeness is determined by three main sociological factors: distance, power and cultural rate of impositions. Finally, the paper demonstrates how language is transformed by politeness in practice.
From the Paper "Everyone knows what politeness is. From our very childhood, we are constantly told phrases such as "be polite" and we are faced with the issue of addressing people in a decent way, using either their nicknames, first names or their titles plus last names, etc. and in some foreign languages distinguishing between the formal second person personal pronoun and the familiar one (e.g. tu/vous in French). When our neighbour tells us "beautiful day, isn't it?" it would never occur to us to reply "no, in fact I totally disagree with you. Haven't you seen these clouds? It is undoubtedly going to rain". Why if it is true? It is simply because it is a basic matter of politeness that we are also used to calling good manners. In fact, politeness is really part of our everyday life and speech."
Abstract This paper proposes a study to test Anne Fernald's claim that infants respond more significantly to infant-directed speech, also known as motherese, than to adult-directed speech. The experiment also tests the claim that the infants will prefer motherese speech, even when the speakers are not their mothers. It examines the implications that the young infants? preference for motherese would confirm the importance of using it as a means of communication with infants in the pre-verbal stage. In the experiment 48 four-month-old infants, divided even into four groups, participate using two between-subject variables: the side of the presentation of motherese (left or right) and the sequence (motherese presented first or last). Given 15 trials, the infants are assessed based on the number of times they turned in the direction needed to produce motherese.
From the Paper "Previous research by Glenn and Cunningham (1983), Mehler and other researchers (1978) have shown that infants responded more significantly to their mothers speaking motherese than speaking in an adult conversational voice (cited in Fernald, 1985, p. 191). One of Fernald's conclusions from the study is that the infants? preference for motherese stems from the fact that they are innately predisposed to be comforted by sounds that are associated with their caretakers. This conclusion was confirmed by Fernald, Haith and Campos (1984). They found that the heartbeats of four-month-old infants slowed down significantly in response to motherese (cited in Fernald, 1985, p. 192)."
Abstract A paper which explores the process of infants' speech development, including understanding of words and the fragmentation process. The paper defines the term 'speech perception' and discusses various studies done in the field and their findings. It discusses research areas related to the topic and summarizes briefly each information source.
From the Paper "The experiment however brought to light the fact that when infants begin to produce speech they end to use variety of "labels" for same or similar things. Hence, any beautiful woman would be his/her mother and any man is the father. Any four-legged animal is doggy etc. Jusczyk's study also indicates that infants often try to confirm their identification through affirmation from parents. Hence, even if they label certain objects, they often turn around for confirmation. The outcome of the study confirmed that infants reserve the meaning of mommy and daddy specifically for their parents. There is no doubt about the fact that they learn to identify these two objects in their memory right from a young age."
Tags: perceptual, motor, e, Discovery, Spoken, Language
