Language & Literacy: Language
"A deaf or hard of hearing person may use one or more of these modes and languages to communication. When thinking about how you would like your deaf or hard of hearing child to communicate it’s not a forever decision. You don’t have to choose one mode or language. Additionally, if one mode isn’t working you can switch to a different more or language later. Whatever mode you pick communicate with your child! Talking or signing is how you share words with your child. Words are the building blocks for literacy." Click on the topic you wish to explore or simply scroll down the page.
The Components of Languge
Regardless of the mode of communication an individual uses, there are 3 components: form, content and use within those there are 5 building blocks, to every language. They include (click on the image to get your own .pdf):
FORM: form is .....
SYNTAX
Syntax is how the words are arranged to form meaningful sentences in a language. It includes aspects like word order, subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure, all of which are essential for clear communication.
PHONOLOGY
Semantics is the meaning in language, focusing on the meanings of words, phrases, and sentences. It helps us understand how language conveys ideas, emotions, and relationships between concepts.
MORPHOLOGY
Morphology refers to how words are formed from smaller parts, such as speech sounds. It can also refer to how words are changed to alter their meaning. For example, the word dog refers to one animal, but the addition of an “s” to the end of the word to dogs refers to more than one animal.
CONTENT: content is .....
SEMANTICS
Semantics is the meaning in language, focusing on the meanings of words, phrases, and sentences. It helps us understand how language conveys ideas, emotions, and relationships between concepts.
USE: use is .....
PRAGMATICS
Pragmatics- this is how language is used in social contexts, including the rules for effective and appropriate communication. It involves understanding things like tone, body language, taking turns in conversation, and knowing what to say based on the situation.
Receptive and Expressive Language:
Language involves receptive (internal understanding) and expressive (outward expression of language).