Language Disorder or Language Difference: How to Know?

According to the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC), one in four Australian children starts school with a speech or language delay, significantly impacting their classroom engagement. So, if you are concerned that your child might have speech developmental problems or communication disorders, you must first determine whether it is due to a Language Disorder or Language Difference. In this article, we will discuss each condition in detail, drawing from expert analyses by speech-language pathologists. Also, we will learn how to identify and diagnose each condition. 

A language disorder is a clinical condition characterised by an impairment in understanding (comprehension) and/or using spoken, written, or other symbol systems. This impairment can affect a person’s ability to communicate effectively in their daily life, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

For individuals facing these challenges, external support systems are often vital. AustralianTranslationServices collaborates with the Government, Educational, Healthcare, and NGO sectors to bridge the language comprehension gap by offering Language Translation Services.

According to the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA), it involves deficits in one or more of the five domains of language: phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics.

What Are the Types of Language Disorders?

There are two primary categories of language disorders:

1. Receptive Language Disorder: Characterised by difficulty in understanding or processing language. This can manifest as an inability to follow directions, understand gestures, or comprehend the meaning of language.
2. Expressive Language Disorder: Characterised by difficulty in the formulation and use of language. This includes challenges with using accurate grammar, naming objects, and constructing cohesive narratives or stories.

What Is Considered a Language Difference?

A language difference refers to variations in language use that are linked to an individual’s cultural, regional, social, or linguistic background. It is crucial to emphasise that a difference is not a disorder. These variations are a normal and expected part of the natural diversity of human language and do not indicate a problem, delay, or impairment in communication skills.

Common Manifestations of Language Difference

1. Bilingualism and Multilingualism: Individuals who speak two or more languages (e.g, bilingual or multilingual) may exhibit unique patterns of using language, such as code-switching (alternating between languages), depending on the context. Their language skills may develop sequentially or simultaneously and at different rates based on their linguistic environment.
2. Dialectical Variations: These are speech and language differences in pronunciation, grammar, or vocabulary between various regions or social groups that speak the same language (e.g., British English vs. Australian English vs. Southern American English vs. Standard American English).
3. Cultural Language Norms: Diverse cultural groups may employ language in distinct ways, including variations in tone of voice, formality of speech, and the use of gestures in communication.

Language Disorder vs Language Difference – Comparison Between Key Characteristics

Distinguishing between Language differences versus language disorder requires looking at specific factors, as detailed in the comparison below:

Diagnosing & Identifying Language Disorder or Language Difference

Differentiating between a language disorder or difference is essential for providing appropriate support to children and families. Misidentification can lead to flawed recommendations and unnecessary interventions.

The core diagnostic principle is to assess the child’s proficiency across all languages they use. This includes spoken dialects as well as visual communication systems like Australian Sign Language (Auslan), which has its own distinct grammar and structure.

SLPs are professionally trained to understand the complexities of communication and to distinguish between a disorder and a difference.

To ensure the evaluation is accurate, especially when a child’s home language differs from the clinician’s, professionals may utilise Translation Services. This allows for a precise assessment of the child’s native competencies without the barrier of a language gap.

If there are concerns about a child’s ability to understand instructions or formulate sentences, the assessment must evaluate these skills in the child’s native language. Challenges limited to a second language are indicative of a difference, not a disorder.

Parents and caregivers who have concerns about their child’s language development should contact an SLP for a comprehensive language assessment. A referral from a health professional is typically not required to schedule a consultation.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, distinguishing between Language Disorder and Language Difference is crucial. Bilingual children and English language learners often demonstrate unique patterns of language like transfer, whereas a disorder is when a child struggles across all areas of language in both their native tongue and L2. Correct identification of language difference or language disorder ensures children with language issues receive the appropriate support for their specific needs.