ERIC Number: EJ899188
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007-Feb
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1058-0360
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Phonological Complexity and Language Learnability
Gierut, Judith A.
American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, v16 n1 p6-17 Feb 2007
Purpose: To extend formal models of language learnability to applications in clinical treatment of children with functional phonological delays. Method: The focus of the narrative review is on phonological complexity. This follows from learnability theory, whereby complexity in the linguistic input to children has been shown to trigger language learning. Drawing from the literature, phonological complexity is defined from epistemic, ontological, and functional perspectives, with specific emphasis on the application of language universals in the selection of target sounds for treatment. Results: The cascading effects of phonological complexity on children's generalization learning are illustrated, and frequently asked questions about complexity in treatment are addressed. Conclusion: The role of complexity in cognitive development is introduced to demonstrate the apparent robustness of effects. (Contains 2 tables and 3 figures.)
Descriptors: Children, Language Impairments, Phonology, Difficulty Level, Language Acquisition, Language Universals, Linguistic Input, Generalization, Cognitive Development, Therapy
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). 10801 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852. Tel: 800-638-8255; Fax: 301-571-0457; e-mail: subscribe@asha.org; Web site: http://ajslp.asha.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A