An Interdisciplinary Framework for Speech-Language Pathologists

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Abstract

Speech-Language Pathologists examine language not only in its organization of complex linguistic structures, but also in terms of the processes on which it is partially dependent. Consequently, the object of research in speech-language pathology is language, together with human communication and human cognition as well as the social interactions that come into play. When studying language pathologies, we must be able to identify where the difficulties lie. It is not only the linguistic components that must be considered, but also the neurological, anatomical, physiological, cognitive, social and pragmatic aspects that are intrinsically associated. This paper defines interdisciplinarity within the field of speech-language pathology, more specifically, the study of bilingualism and the development of linguistic competencies, using an epistemological and praxeological standpoint. A theoretical framework which includes theories on emergentism, bioecological systems and dynamic systems is proposed in order to assess and treat monolingual and bilingual children with and without language impairments using a holistic and interdisciplinary approach.