Despite the rise of globalization and increasing multilingualism, the effect of language dominance on thought and perception in bilingual speakers has received little attention. This study examines the semantic networks of Spanish-English bilingual adults and monolingual English-speaking peers to determine whether language dominance structures the semantic space of a bilingual speaker to more closely match the semantic space of a monolingual speaker of the dominant language. It is predicted that semantic ratings produced by English-dominant bilinguals will correlate more closely to the semantic ratings of monolingual English-speaking participants than ratings produced by Spanish-dominant bilinguals. Spanish-English bilinguals (n=20) completed the Bilingual Language Profile regarding language use, attitudes, and fluency (Birdsong, Gertken, & Amengual, 2012). Spanish-English bilingual participants and monolingual English-speaking participants (n=20) then rated a series of translationally equivalent nouns (n=80) according to sound, color, morality, valence, size, and position. Using these ratings, a Euclidean distance matrix containing the ratings of English-dominant bilinguals, Spanish-dominant bilinguals, and English monolinguals was analyzed within and between groups using hierarchical cluster analysis, matrix comparisons (Mantel Tests), Spearman correlations, and qualitative k-means clustering analysis. Results suggest the possibility of dynamic interconnection between languages, with semantic connection weights determined by the dominant language (Malt et al, 2015). However, more research is needed to draw firm conclusions. / Communication Sciences

Thesis (MAud)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Cochlear implantation is an expensive but cost-effective intervention which must be used for life. It can provide individuals with severe-to-profound hearing loss improved sound perception in comparison to that obtained using hearing aids. In South Africa implants are not state subsidised, and related costs need to be covered by implant recipients. Cochlear implant teams thus need to ensure that individuals, who are selected, will benefit from the device and will be able to use it for their lifetime. Implantees should know the immediate and potential future costs involved, to be able to decide on its affordability. The primary aim of this study was to determine the immediate and long-term costs of cochlear implantation. One hundred and fifty four implant recipients from the Tygerberg Hospital- University of Stellenbosch Cochlear Implant Unit in Cape Town, South Africa were surveyed. Costs were categorized according to the time period post implantation and were converted to Constant Rands (June 2010) using the Consumer Price Index to allow for comparison in real terms over time. In the first 10 years of implantation the average estimated costs incurred by adult implantees totalled R379 626, and children R455 225. The findings showed that the initial purchase of the implant system was the most substantial cost involved (currently R221 000). Upgrading the speech processor, which on the average took place every 7 years, was the second highest cost subjects encountered (currently R85 000). The cost of spares (on average R276 per year) and repairs (R3000 per repair) increased with duration of use. Battery costs ranged between R1200 and R3372 per year and insurance costs averaged R4040 per year. Most appointments took place in the first two years following implantation. Average travel costs during the first two years were R1024 for those within 50km of the implant unit and R8645 for those living more than 1000km away. Accommodation costs for non-local recipients, peaked during this period (on average R3390). Additional rehabilitation services for paediatric implantees cost an estimated R37 159 in the first five years after implantation. Subjects advised potential implantees to save, budget and plan for the high costs involved in implantation, as well as to join a medical aid which could assist with the costs involved. The findings of the study hold great relevance for both implantees and cochlear implant professionals. Careful consideration of the financial implications of cochlear implantation is critically important in the South African context to ensure that recipients are successful longterm cochlear implant users. Although the actual costs in the study were related to the one implant system used at Tygerberg Hospital-University of Stellenbosch Cochlear Implant Unit, it is believed that the types and amounts of costs involved hold relevance for all individuals implanted in South Africa. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Kogleêre inplantering is ‘n duur maar koste-effektiewe prosedure wat lewenslank gebruik moet word. Dit verskaf aan individue met erge-tot-uitermatige gehoorverlies verbeterde klankpersepsie in vergelyking met dié wat gehoorapparate gebruik. In Suid Afrika word kogleêre inplantings nie deur die staat gesubsidieer nie en koste moet deur die inplantgebruiker verhaal word. Kogleêre inplantingspanne moet gevolglik verseker dat individue wat geselekteer word daarby baat sal vind en lewenslank sal kan gebruik. Inplantgebruikers moet bewus wees van die onmiddelike, sowel as langtermyn onkoste. Die primêre doel van hierdie studie was om die onmiddelike en langtermyn onkoste van implanterings te bepaal. Een honderd vier en vyftig inplantgebruikers van die Tygerberg Hospitaal-Universiteit Stellenbosch Kogleêre Inplantingseenheid in Kaapstad, Suid Afrika is gebruik vir die studie. Onkoste was gekatogoriseer ten opsigte van die periode van tyd postinplantering en dit is omgeskakel na konstante Randwaarde (Junie 2010) deur die Gebruikers Prys Indeks te gebruik sodat vergelykings gemaak kon word in reële terme oor tyd. Gedurende die eerste 10 jaar na inplantering was die geskatte onkoste by volwasse inplantgebruikers R379 626 en by die pediatriese groep was dit R455 225. Bevindings het aangedui dat die aanvanklike aankoop van die inplantsisteem die grootste onkoste behels het (huidig R221 000). Opgradering van die prosesseerder, gemiddeld elke 7 jaar, was die tweede hoogste onkoste, naamlik R85 000. Die gemiddelde koste van spaaronderdele was R276 per jaar. Herstelkoste het R3000 per herstelling beloop. Koste van spaaronderdele en herstelkoste het met duur van gebruik vermeerder. Batteryonkoste het gewissel tussen R1200 en R3372 per jaar. Onkoste van jaarlikse versekering was gemiddeld R4040. Meeste afsprake het gedurende die eerste twee jaar plaasgevind. Vervoeronkoste gedurende hierdie periode was R1024 vir die wat binne 50km woon en R8645 vir dié meer as ‘n 1000km ver. Akkommodasie koste het ‘n piek gedurende hierdie periode bereik (gemiddeld R3390). Addisionele rehabilitasie dienste vir pediatriese inplantgebruikers was gemiddeld R37159 gedurende die eerste vyf jaar. Die proefpersone het aanbeveel dat potensiële inplantgebruikers moet spaar, begroot en beplan vir die hoë onkoste en is aanbeveel om aan te sluit by ‘n mediese fonds. Die bevindinge van die studie is van belang vir beide ontvangers sowel as inplantingspanne. Bewusmaking van die finansiële implikasies van kogleêre inplantering is van kritiese belang om suksesvolle langtermyn gebruik te verseker. Alhoewel die werklike onkoste in die studie van toepassing is op een inplanting sisteem wat by Tygerberg Hospitaal-Universiteit Stellenbosch Kogleêre Inplantingseenheid gebruik word, kan dit aangeneem word dat die tipes en hoeveelheid onkoste van toepassing is op alle individue in Suid Afrika wat kogleêre inplantings ontvang.

Thesis (MBA.) --University of Limpopo, 2009 / The delivery of quality service is a challenging area in both private and government sectors. The purpose of this research study was to determine if Modiba KO Speech and Audiology Services deliver services as per clients’ expectations and perceptions. It also aimed at determining if there is/are a gap/s between clients expectations’ and what was offered at the clinic. In order to achieve these aims, questionnaires were administered to clients seen at the clinic. The sample was comprised of clients seen at Modiba KO Speech and Audiology Services only. The participants were asked to indicate their expectations and perceptions about the service offered at the clinic. Findings from the research showed that there are gaps between clients’ expectations and perceptions of quality service delivery. KEY WORDS Quality Service, Speed, Flexibility, Dependability, Costs, Quality, Gaps

abstract: Speech sound disorders (SSDs) are the most prevalent type of communication disorder in children. Clinically, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) rely on behavioral methods for assessing and treating SSDs. Though clients typically experience improved speech outcomes as a result of therapy, there is evidence that underlying deficits may persist even in individuals who have completed treatment for surface-level speech behaviors. Advances in the field of genetics have created the opportunity to investigate the contribution of genes to human communication. Due to the heterogeneity of many communication disorders, the manner in which specific genetic changes influence neural mechanisms, and thereby behavioral phenotypes, remains largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to identify genotype-phenotype associations, along with perceptual, and motor-related biomarkers within families displaying SSDs. Five parent-child trios participated in genetic testing, and five families participated in a combination of genetic and behavioral testing to help elucidate biomarkers related to SSDs. All of the affected individuals had a history of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) except for one family that displayed a phonological disorder. Genetic investigation yielded several genes of interest relevant for an SSD phenotype: CNTNAP2, CYFIP1, GPR56, HERC1, KIAA0556, LAMA5, LAMB1, MDGA2, MECP2, NBEA, SHANK3, TENM3, and ZNF142. All of these genes showed at least some expression in the developing brain. Gene ontology analysis yielded terms supporting a genetic influence on central nervous system development. Behavioral testing revealed evidence of a sequential processing biomarker for all individuals with CAS, with many showing deficits in sequential motor skills in addition to speech deficits. In some families, participants also showed evidence of a co-occurring perceptual processing biomarker. The family displaying a phonological phenotype showed milder sequential processing deficits compared to CAS families. Overall, this study supports the presence of a sequential processing biomarker for CAS and shows that relevant genes of interest may be influencing a CAS phenotype via sequential processing. Knowledge of these biomarkers can help strengthen precision of clinical assessment and motivate development of novel interventions for individuals with SSDs. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Communication Disorders 2020

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a motor-based disorder that often results in long-term communication challenges, as well as adverse academic and psychosocial consequences. Response to CAS treatment is variable, with some children achieving slow or limited progress. A better understanding of factors associated with treatment response is needed to generate accurate prognoses and guide future development of efficient, targeted treatments. This dissertation research includes two studies. Study 1 examined speech perception skills among children with CAS using a discrimination (AX) task and a mispronunciation detection (MPD) task. Study 2 examined the association between four individual-level characteristics—age, speech accuracy, inconsistency, and perception—and CAS treatment response. Participants included 27 children (Study 2; subset of 12 children for Study 1) involved in an ongoing clinical trial for CAS (i.e., the “parent trial;” ClinicalTrials.gov ID = NCT03903120). Research questions were addressed using nonparametric correlation and t-tests, as well as multivariable linear regression. Results from Study 1 indicated that speech perception ability (1) did not differ by task, (2) did not differ by consonant and vowel conditions, (3) was positively correlated with age and speech accuracy, and negatively associated with speech inconsistency and nonverbal cognition, and (4) did not change after integral stimulation treatment. Results from Study 2 indicated that speech perception ability was the sole significant predictor of CAS treatment response, such that children with better perceptual skills at baseline made greater treatment gains. Further research is needed to replicate and extend these findings. / Communication Sciences

No description available.