Glossary

SLP Glossary of Terms

A

Articulation

The way in which speech sounds are made and pronounced.

Aphasia

A disorder that affects the ability to speak, read, write, and understand language.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

A system of communication used to supplement or replace speech, such as sign language, communication boards, or speech generating devices.

C

Cued speech

A visual communication system used to enhance speech perception for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Cued speech uses hand gestures to represent different phonemes or speech sounds, which helps to clarify the spoken message.

D

Dysarthria

A motor speech disorder that affects the muscles used for speaking, resulting in difficulty speaking clearly.

Dysphagia

Difficulty with swallowing, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including neurological disorders, structural abnormalities, and other medical conditions.

Deaf or hard of hearing

Refers to individuals who have a partial or complete loss of hearing, ranging from mild to profound. Deaf individuals may communicate using sign language, written language, or spoken language with the assistance of hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other assistive technologies.

E

Expressive language

The ability to produce spoken or written language.

F

Fluency

The smoothness or flow of speech, including the ability to start and stop speaking without hesitation

L

Language

A complex system of communication that involves both verbal and nonverbal components, including grammar, syntax, and vocabulary.

O

Oral motor skills

The ability to coordinate the movements of the lips, tongue, jaw, and palate for speech and other oral activities.

P

Phonology

The study of the sounds of a language and how they are used in speech.

Pragmatics

The study of how language is used in social situations, including the appropriate use of language in different contexts.

Praxis

The ability to plan and execute purposeful movements, including those involved in speech production.

R

Receptive language

The ability to understand spoken or written language.

S

Speech

The act of speaking, including the production of sounds and words.

Speech therapy

The treatment of communication disorders, including speech, language, and cognitive-communication disorders.

Stuttering

A disruption in the normal flow of speech, characterized by repetitions, prolongations, or blocks of sounds or words.

Swallowing

The process of moving food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach, including the muscles and nerves involved in this process.

Sign language

A visual language that uses hand gestures, facial expressions, and body language to communicate. Sign language is used by many individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as their families and friends, and can vary by region or country. In the United States, American Sign Language (ASL) is one of the most common sign languages used.

T

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

An injury to the brain that results from a blow or jolt to the head, or a penetrating head injury, which can cause a range of cognitive and communication deficits.
Deaf or hard of hearing; cued speech; sign language
Sure, here are the definitions for those terms:

V

Voice

The quality of sound produced by the vocal cords during speech, including pitch, volume, and tone.

Voice therapy

The treatment of voice disorders, including hoarseness, vocal nodules, and other conditions that affect the quality of the voice.