What is Language?

A speech-language pathologist works on several components of language, including:

• Phonology: The system of sounds in a language and the rules for their combination.

• Morphology: The structure and formation of words, including the use of prefixes, suffixes, and root words.

• Syntax: The rules that govern the structure of sentences, including word order and sentence complexity.

• Semantics: The meaning of words and sentences, including vocabulary development and word relationships.

• Pragmatics: The social use of language, such as understanding conversational rules, turn-taking, and using language appropriately in different contexts.

• Receptive Language: The ability to understand spoken or written language.

• Expressive Language: The ability to use words, sentences, and gestures to communicate thoughts and feelings effectively.