Learning objectives
The course will offer a general introduction to the different language disorders, from aphasia to pragmatic impairment, considered from the point of view of linguistics
Overall, the course will integrate the training in language sciences for special needs by deepening the understanding of the linguistic and communicative weaknesses as well as strengths of people with special needs, in order to promote inclusiveness in lifelong education.
Prerequisites
None: the course will be an introduction to clinical linguistics with limited knowledge
Course unit content
The course will offer a general introduction to the different language disorders, from aphasia to pragmatic impairment, considered from the point of view of linguistics. The course will start from the classification of language disorders in both adulthood and childhood, focusing on the linguistic and communicative profiles. Neurolinguistics findings related to pathological language processing as revealed via neuroimaging methods will also be considered.
The second part of the course will present the main tools for evaluating language disorders, illustrating the most common tasks for assessing the different language components, from grammar to vocabulary and pragmatic competence, including computational and multimodal annotation.
The third part of the course will discuss state-of-the-art approaches in the field of language treatment, highlighting how theoretical notions in linguistics might help design effective intervention to promote language skills.
Overall, the course will integrate the training in language sciences for special needs by deepening the understanding of the linguistic and communicative weaknesses as well as strengths of people with special needs, in order to promote inclusiveness in lifelong education.
Full programme
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Bibliography
Ball, Martin J., Müller, Nicole & Spencer, Liz, eds. (2023 forthcoming) Wiley Handbook of Clinical Linguistics – 2nd edition, Wiley [selected parts]
Cummings, Louise (2008) Clinical Linguistics, Edinburgh University Press [selected parts]
Cummings, Louise (2021) Handbook of Pragmatic Language Disorders: Complex and Underserved Populations, Springer [selected parts]
Other materials provided in classes
Teaching methods
Classes in presence and online
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral exam
Other information
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