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Although they are often used in the same context, language and speech have two very different meanings. It is possible for people to experience difficulties with one or both, according to the child speech therapy professionals at Sounds of Success Preschool and Learning Center in Aiea, HI. While navigating this territory can be worrisome for parents, it can also be very reassuring to work with the preschool’s certified and licensed professionals who understand the complexities of both speech and language. Here’s what you need to know about how they differ.

How Language & Speech Differ From Each Other

Aiea-HI-child-speech-therapyWhat Is Speech?

Speech refers to the manner in which words and sounds are pronounced. This includes the physical act of using the voice to produce a word or make a noise. It also involves the manner in which those sounds are articulated—or more specifically, how the lips, mouth, and tongue work in tandem to create sounds and pronounce words correctly. Speech also encompasses a person’s fluidity, or those unique nuances that characterize their manner of speech, such as stuttering or hesitating when speaking.

What Is Language?

By contrast, language focuses on the actual content and meaning of speech. It illustrates a person’s ability to recognize multiple meanings of a single word, craft sentences properly, understand the differences between similar words or phrases, and articulate thoughts appropriately. Enrolling in child speech therapy can help kids who experience language difficulties.

What Types of Problems Might Kids Experience?

Children who stutter or have difficulty speaking or making sounds may have a speech disorder. For those receiving child speech therapy, the problems can manifest in different ways. One student may not speak clearly due to a physical impairment, while another might have difficulty pronouncing some letters. Language disorders center on difficulty understanding the meaning and intent of words.

Enrolling your young one in child speech therapy is a wonderful way to help them gain confidence in their abilities and thrive in school. At Sounds of Success Preschool and Learning Center, kids receive an evaluation followed by individualized sessions. Under the supervision of a skilled speech pathologist, they’ll develop a new relationship with words and language and improve in areas where they need the most attention. Visit the preschool’s website to learn more about their child care services, including speech therapy for toddlers and kids between the ages of 2 ½ and 5 years old. You can also call them at (808) 488-2211.

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