Components of Language

Key components of language include form, content, and functional use.

Form Includes:

• Phonology - Which is how sounds can be put together. In other words, sound patterns. Someone with a phonological process disorder presents with a pattern of erred sounds. For example, substituting all sounds made in the back of the mouth like "k" and "g" for those in the front of the mouth like "t" and "d" (e.g., saying "tup" for "cup" or "das" for "gas").
• Morphology - Which is how word can be put together. (e.g., friend, friendly, unfriendly).
• Syntax - Which is how sentences can be put together. In other words, grammar rules. For example, "Peg walked to the new store" rather than "Peg walk store new."

Content: Semantics governs the meaning of words and sentences. (e.g., "fan" can refer to a machine used to cool you down or someone who has a strong admiration or interest in something.)

Functional Use: Pragmatics governs how these language components are used as functional and socially appropriate language. For example, understanding sarcasm or idioms or knowing how to properly greet someone depending on the situation (e.g., at a party vs. at a funeral).

Information from this section was collected using www.ASHA.org.