Linguistic Theory and Research Based Language Intervention
By Wilson, Mary Sweig; Consumer's Guide to Assistive Technology, pp. 6-9Publication Date: 2008
Article discusses computer software by Laureate Learning Systems used in providing receptive language intervention for children with language disabilities. The underlying linguistic-research basis of the software is outlined, including the concept of Universal Grammar, an inborn faculty within the human brain that drives language development. The article emphasizes that language intervention is important for understanding and learning concepts such as word order and the functional categories of words: determiners, such as articles and pronouns; verb tenses; and complementizers, such as “that” and “if”. Functional forms, which are problematic for children with language disorders, are necessary for the comprehension and production of sentences. Software discussed includes: (1) First Words, First Verbs, and First Words II Sterling Editions, which train early developing nouns and verbs emphasizing functional categories and subject-verb-object order by using full albeit short sentences; (2) Simple Sentence Structure Sterling Edition, which provides intervention specifically designed to set two-word order parameters; (3) Language Links: Syntax Assessment & Intervention, which trains early-developing determiner, tense, and preposition functionary-category forms; and (4) Prepositions!, a companion program to Language Links. The article cites a research project in a public-school district which demonstrated the effectiveness of these programs in improving the expressive grammar of children with language disorders.
Assistive Products Discussed: FIRST WORDS STERLING EDITION
FIRST WORDS II STERLING EDITION
SIMPLE SENTENCE STRUCTURE STERLING EDITION
FIRST VERBS STERLING EDITION
LANGUAGELINKS: SYNTAX ASSESSMENT AND INTERVENTION
PREPOSITIONS! STERLING EDITION
Published by: EP Global Communications (Website:http://www.eparent.com)
