As an aspiring speech- language pathologist, it is important to understand and

embrace the similarities and differences between the areas of speech and language. The

two words are not synonyms, though the concepts of both are strongly related. In fact,

each respective field has a unique set of disorders, and speech-language pathologists must

consider the proper approach to therapy with this in mind. A patient may have a disorder

of only speech, only language, or, the two combined.

Language is defined as being a socially shared code that is made up of a system of

arbitrary symbols, which are agreed upon by those who understand and use the same

code. This code includes not only spoken and written language, but also gestures that we

use to convey a message. For example, in our speech community, we agree that waving

our hand in the air communicates “hello” or “goodbye.” Although language is best

communicated using speech sounds, one can have very sophisticated language without

any speech. American Sign Language is not just representational movements assigned to

words in English. ASL has its own rule-governed system, and is considered a unique and

complete language.

Speech, on the other hand, is the ability to phonate. It is a biological and physical

ability to produce sound. These sounds are assigned to the symbols of individual

languages to vocally communicate ideas. The normal development of the lungs, trachea,

esophagus, and larynx is necessary to properly form speech sounds. Damage to these

structures can occur before or after birth and will most often result in the need for speech

therapy. Technically, speech can occur without language, but the sounds made will not be

intelligible.

Language that we understand, or receptive language, is the code that we can

ideally interpret through auditory cues or visual symbols. Most people are only receptive

to the language spoken by their speech communities and the intelligible dialects similar

to that “parent” language. For example, one might speak the Standard English dialect, but

also be able to understand the African American English or British English dialects. At

first, children have much more receptive language than they do expressive, because they

cannot vocalize their intentions in words. It would be difficult to express a language that

one could not also comprehend.

Expressive language is our ability to communicate our own thoughts with others

using speech sounds, gestures, or writing. These are typically the patients that are most

easily identified as having a language disorder, but speech-language pathologists will

examine both receptive and expressive language use before determining a plan for

therapy. It is possible that the patient might have delays in both areas.

The title of speech-language pathology is hyphenated for a very good reason – to

distinguish the differences between the two areas of study and to also remind us that it is

important to understand and treat both. A person cannot have fluent and intelligible

speech without proper language use, and, vice versa. A person cannot use language

properly without normally developing speech structures and the ability to produce the

speech sounds that are used within that individual’s dialect. Unfortunately, many

individuals face being diagnosed with abnormal speech and language, but that is why our

profession is so important. Speech- language pathologists attempt to give them back the

ability to understand others and express personal feelings and ideas - a freedom that

everyone should have.