Language

A language disorder is an impairment in comprehension and/or use of a spoken, written, and/or other communication symbol system (e.g., American Sign Language). The disorder may involve the form of language (phonology, morphology, syntax), the content of language (semantics), and/or the function of language in communication (pragmatics) in any combination (ASHA, 1993). Language disorders may persist across the lifespan, and symptoms may change over time (Bashir, 1989). Further, a language disorder can be a distinct diagnosis or may occur within the context of other conditions.

Expressive Language

Receptive Language

	Spoken Language		Written Language
5 Language Domains	Listening	Speaking	Reading	Writing
Phonology	ability to identify and distinguish phonemes while listening (i.e., phonological awareness)	appropriate use of phonological patterns while speaking	understanding of letter-sound associations while reading (i.e., phonics)	accurate spelling of words while writing
Morphology	understanding morphemes when listening	using morphemes correctly when speaking	understanding grammar while reading	appropriate use of grammar when writing
Syntax	understanding sentence structure elements when listening	using correct sentence structure elements when speaking	understanding sentence structure while reading	using correct sentence structure when writing
Semantics	listening vocabulary	speaking vocabulary	reading vocabulary	writing vocabulary
Pragmatics	understanding of the social aspects of spoken language	social use of spoken language	understanding point-of-view, needs of the audience, etc.	conveying point-of-view, needs of the audience, etc.