Duquesne University | Speech Language Pathology

A major focus of speech-language pathology is the understanding and treatment of impaired language. Individuals who find studying language interesting--whether syntax and semantics, the relationships between language and thought, or the nature of how language serves interpersonal goals--will also find that the profession of speech-language pathology allows them to apply their interests to real-life human problems.

Consider the child who has difficulty understanding pronouns. After hearing someone say: "Karen and Scott went to the movies last week. She ate too much candy." The child might have difficulty knowing that the pronoun "she" referred to "Karen". This reflects an underlying problem in the use of language. Diagnosing and then treating a child who has difficulty understanding complex linguistic structures is just one of the many ways speech-language pathologists apply their knowledge of language.

Also think about how you decide to speak. Do you think ahead and plan each word you will say? Understanding how people without problems learn, store, recall and then use words and the grammar of a language allows speech-language pathologists to diagnose and then treat the language problems of children and adults.