Form: rules by which a given communications system is governed; the “how” of language
Content: the meaning component; the “what” of language
Use: reason, purpose: the “why” of language
Integration of the three components is referred to as Language Competence
Problems in language may be result of
Simple delay in development of language competence
Disruption in one or more of the three components
Failure to integrate the three components functionally
The three language components are composed of five separate skills
Form: phonology, morphology, and syntax
Content: semantics
Use: pragmatics
No hierarchical relationship implied; skills not expected to develop sequentially
In normal language development, growth occurs in all five simultaneously
Skilled communicators typically competent in all five areas; may have deficit in one area but still be able to function reasonably well in others
Phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics must all work together to support pragmatics, or functional language use
Phonology: the system of rules that governs sounds and sound combinations.
A phoneme is a unit of sound that combines with other sounds to form words. It is the smallest unit of language, and does not, by itself, convey meaning.
English language consists of about 40 phonemes, classified as either vowels or consonants.
Symbols used to represent these sound are called phonograms or graphemes. 26 letters or graphemes in English, combined to stand for various phonemes.
Phonological or phonemic awareness is the capability of analyzing and manipulating the sound components of language without respect to meaning.
Problems in phonology frequently appear as articulation discrimination difficulties, by decoding deficits in reading, or by deficits in handwriting and spelling.
There is a strong relationship between phonological disorders and reading problems.
Vignette 9.1 on page 223.
