SEM1

Purpose

This course aims to introduce the students to psycholinguistics and provide them with an insight into the basic concepts of the area of study, namely, the acquisition, perception and comprehension of language, to explore the relationship between language, thought and culture. To equip learners with skills required for language remediation on persons with speech and language problems.

Expected outcomes

By  the  end  of  the  unit,  learners  should  be  able  to;

1.                  Identify  causes  and  characteristics  of  speech  and  language  disorders

2.                  Assess speech  and  language disorder cases

3.                  Give  possible  treatment  to  speech  and  language  disorders

Course content

Language, the brain and cognition. Theoretical models on the relationship between language and the human mind; language structure in the brain. The processing and acquisition of language. First language acquisition and processing: biological foundations. Factors that affect first language acquisition. Neurolinguistic disorders: Broca’s and Wernicke’s aphasia, anomic and conduction aphasia; dyslexia, stuttering, stammering and lisping.