Things you must know about speech and language

Things You Must Know About Speech And Language

by

Speech and Language disorder has become the strong debate. It is necessity for learner and teachers that they must have clear understanding about these two terms. We will explain these two terms in more reasonable way

  • “A language is a system of signs for encoding and decoding information”
  •  we can say that language is a system of symbols designed for the purpose of communication

The langue word has been taken from Latin word “lingua”, which means ‘tongue’.

We define language as an abstract system of symbols and meanings. This system includes the rules (grammar) that relate symbols and meanings so that we can communicate with each other. The only term in that definition that might give you some trouble is ‘symbol’, but that’s easy. A symbol is anything that stands for anything else. The dinner bell is a symbol of the food that is available. A co-worker’s scowl is a symbol of his or her displeasure. The wink of a friend may symbolize a joke or agreement. Symbols appear constantly in our everyday life.

Performance is simply an account of what we actually do or say. If we asked you your name, you would respond with some kind of verbal output called speech, or you would respond with a gesture from (American Sign Language). Competence is a bit trickier. It refers to the ability we each seem to have to generate and interpret sentences according to rules. To illustrate: not proper that Words nonsense are the order in appear do. In other “words that do not appear in the proper order are nonsense!’

Speech and language development begin at an early age and progress through various stages as individuals grow and mature. Infants start communicating through cries, coos, and babbling sounds, which eventually evolve into words and sentences as they reach toddlerhood. It is crucial for parents and caregivers to support and encourage children’s speech and language skills through interactive activities, reading, and positive reinforcement.

You know what correct order in English is and what is not.

This can be further illustrated in another way. One youngster, aged three, hid from her father behind some curtains in the family’s living room. She said to her father, ‘Daddy, I’m behind the thor’.  Her father replied, ‘Yes, I see you, you’re behind the thor’, mimicking her mispronunciation exactly’. She replied, ‘No! The Thor!’ For her, ‘Thor’ when she pronounced it meant ‘door’, but not when she heard it. We can see child’s speech performance has not yet reached her linguistic competence because she is unable to use linguistics competence properly. This also nicely illustrates the difference between speech and language.

Difference Between Language And Speech Disorder

Language is known as  socially cultural shared values that include the following:

  • What words mean (e.g., ‘moon’ can refer to a light and beauty object in the night sky or a simile)
  • How to make new words (e.g., love, lovely, adore}
  • How to put words together (e.g., ‘Ali walked to the new store’ rather than ‘Ali walk store new’)
  • What word combinations are best in what situations (‘Would you give me my book?’ could quickly change to ‘give me my book right now. if the first request did not produce results)

Speech, on the other hand, is the verbal means of communicating. Speech can be described as

Articulation

How speech sounds are made (e.g., children must learn how to produce the “p” sound in order to say ‘pencil’ instead of ‘wencil’).

Voice

Use of the vocal folds and breathing to produce sound (e.g., the voice can be abused from overuse or misuse and can lead to hoarseness or loss of voice).

Fluency

The rhythm and tempo of speech can affect fluency.

When a person has difficulty to understand others or enabling to consider sharing thoughts, ideas and feelings, and even tone then he or she has a language disorder.

  1. What can educators do to support speech and language development in the classroom?
  2. Incorporate language-rich activities: Include opportunities for oral language practice, such as group discussions, show-and-tell, and storytelling, in your lesson plans.
  3. Provide visual aids: Use visual aids such as pictures, charts, and diagrams to support children’s understanding and reinforce key concepts.
  4. Encourage peer interactions: Group activities and partnerships can help children practice their communication skills and learn from one another.

Remember, every child is unique, and progress may vary from one individual to another. By staying patient, consistent, and supportive, we can help children reach their full potential and thrive in all areas of their lives.

Language is the key to connecting with the world. For children, developing strong communication skills is crucial not just for academic success, but also for forming relationships, expressing emotions, and understanding their environment. But what happens when a child struggles with speech or language? That’s where a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) steps in.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

  • How a speech and language therapist helps children

  • The 7 stages of language development

  • Common speech therapy techniques used in treatment

 How Does a Speech and Language Therapist Help a Child?

Speech and language therapists (SLTs), also known as speech-language pathologists (SLPs), are trained professionals who assess, diagnose, and treat communication disorders in children. These disorders can range from difficulties with speech sounds to problems with understanding or using language.

Ways SLTs Support Children:

  1. Assessment: Identifying the type and severity of the speech/language difficulty.

  2. Customized Therapy Plans: Developing individual goals and strategies tailored to the child’s needs.

  3. Improving Articulation: Helping children pronounce sounds correctly.

  4. Language Skills: Enhancing vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure.

  5. Social Communication: Teaching children how to use language in social contexts (e.g., turn-taking, eye contact).

  6. Fluency: Assisting with stuttering or speech rhythm issues.

  7. Feeding and Swallowing Support: For children with oral-motor difficulties.

  8. Collaboration: Working with parents, teachers, and other professionals to create a supportive environment.

 The 7 Stages of Language Development

Language development unfolds in stages, and understanding these can help caregivers track a child’s progress. While each child develops at their own pace, the following stages are commonly observed:

1. Pre-Linguistic Stage (0–12 months)

  • Cooing, crying, and babbling

  • Understanding of tone and recognizing familiar voices

  • Responds to sounds and gestures

2. Single Word Stage (12–18 months)

  • Uses first words like “mama” or “ball”

  • Understands simple instructions (“No,” “Come here”)

  • Points to objects or people of interest

3. Two-Word Stage (18–24 months)

  • Combines words (“more juice,” “mama go”)

  • Vocabulary rapidly expands

  • Begins asking simple questions

4. Early Multi-Word Stage (2–3 years)

  • Forms short sentences (“I want toy”)

  • Asks “what” and “where” questions

  • Can be understood by family members

5. Later Multi-Word Stage (3–4 years)

  • More complex sentences with grammar (“I am eating lunch”)

  • Starts storytelling and imaginative play

  • Asks “why” and “how” questions

6. Complex Sentence Stage (4–5 years)

  • Speaks in paragraphs

  • Uses conjunctions like “and” or “because”

  • Engages in conversations with adults and peers

7. Refining and Mastery Stage (5+ years)

  • Uses language for learning, problem-solving, and negotiating

  • Understands abstract language (e.g., jokes, idioms)

  • Reads and writes in structured ways

 Common Speech Therapy Techniques Used

SLTs use a variety of techniques to help children meet their communication goals. These techniques are fun, interactive, and tailored to the child’s age and specific challenges.

1. Articulation Therapy

Focuses on correcting specific sound errors (like “wabbit” instead of “rabbit”). The therapist may:

  • Model correct sounds

  • Use mirrors and visual cues

  • Practice words and sentences with target sounds

2. Language Intervention Activities

Improves understanding and use of language through:

  • Storytelling and role-play

  • Picture books and naming objects

  • Following multi-step directions

3. Oral-Motor Therapy

Helps children who struggle with the movement of the mouth, lips, and tongue:

  • Exercises to improve muscle strength and coordination

  • Tools like straws or whistles for muscle stimulation

4. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

For non-verbal or minimally verbal children:

  • Use of picture boards, sign language, or speech-generating devices

5. Play-Based Therapy

Uses play as a medium for learning:

  • Enhances turn-taking, sharing, and labeling

  • Encourages natural communication through fun activities

6. Fluency Shaping Techniques

For children who stutter:

  • Breathing and pacing techniques

  • Smooth speech practices and confidence-building

7. Parent Training and Home Practice

Therapists often involve parents:

  • Teach strategies to use during daily routines

  • Provide exercises for home to reinforce progress

When Should You Seek Help?

If a child is:

  • Not meeting language milestones

  • Hard to understand by age 3

  • Not combining words by age 2

  • Struggling with reading, listening, or following directions

…it’s a good idea to consult a speech and language therapist. Early intervention can make a significant difference in a child’s development.

Leave a Comment