Sound-based language play in four language-impaired subjects.
The production of sound-based language play in four language-impaired subjects was investigated. A battery of metalinguistic tests, incorporating the production of poems, nursery rhymes, alliteration and rhyme, was designed to assess the subjects' sound-based language play. The subjects' performance on these tests was compared with their performance on a battery of standardised language tests. Results indicated that the language-impaired subjects did not successfully involve themselves in sound-based language play. Furthermore, a decrease in sound-based language play was observed with an increase in the extent of the language impairment. Hence, a positive correlation was found between poor language competence and deficient metalinguistic skills. Diagnostic, therapeutic and theoretical implications are discussed.
Joffe
V
V
Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
Shapiro
G
G
D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007806:Language Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D007807:Language Tests; D008297:Male; D010988:Play and Playthings