Wednesday, May 16, 2012

So, what is the difference between language and speech? Part 2: Speech

Speech relates meaning with sounds; it is the verbal means of communicating.  Speech includes 3 areas:

  1. Articulation
    • Refers to how speech sounds are made.  Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) may work on specific sounds or patterns of sounds.  For example:  An SLP may help a child correct his prevocalic /r/ sound, so instead of wabbit, he can say rabbit.  
  2. Voice
    • Refers to using the vocal cords and breath to produce sounds.  SLPs may work on decreasing vocal abuse which can lead to hoarseness, vocal fold nodules, etc.  Hypernasality (too much air through the nose) and hyponasality (not enough air through the nose on nasal sounds) may also fall under this heading.
  3. Fluency
    • Refers to the rhythm and smoothness of speech.  If fluency is disrupted, a person may stutter or hesitate when communicating.
Speech disorders and language disorders can present together or independently of one another and severity can range from a mild issue to a severe one.  If you have any concerns or questions regarding your child's speech and/or language development, please do not hesitate to contact us at 615-898-7461 or info@brightbeginningsptc.com.

                                  

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