Being A Speech-Language Pathologist Essay

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The first two chapters of Introduction to Communication Disorders were very eye opening for me. I came into this class not knowing much of the details about being a speech therapist, except that I wanted to become one. After finishing the first two chapters, I am still certain that I want to be a Speech-Language Pathologist. I am looking forward to continuing in this major.
The first chapter talked about the basic terminology that comes along with being a speech therapist. These words included the different kinds of communication, symbols, and different disorders that tie into being a speech-language pathologist. Communication is the exchange of information between a sender and a receiver. Messages may be verbal, non-verbal, and graphic in nature. Verbal is through speech, non-verbal is facial expressions and body language, and graphic is writing and pictures. A symbol is something that represents something else with meaning. There are different types of disorders including speech disorders, language disorders, and hearing disorders. A speech disorder is when someone has difficulty with production of speech sounds, interruption in the flow of speaking (fluency), and/or abnormal voice quality (pitch, loudness, …show more content…

We discussed the different components of language including phonology, morphology, and syntax. Phonology is the sound system of language. Morphology is the structure of words. Syntax is the set of grammar rules to make sentences. I found the different forms of non-verbal communication very interesting. I did not realize there were so many different categories that fall under non-verbal communication. Nonvocal elements of nonverbal communication include body language such as gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact. There is also non-linguistic meaning without language. Kinesics which means body language is another category that falls under non-verbal