Seminar paper from the year 2010 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Linguistics, grade: 1,7, Humboldt-University of Berlin (Anglistik/ Amerikanistik), course: Syntactic Competence, Structures and Processes, language: English, abstract: Background: In their study, Clahsen and Almazan (2001) tried to show that the analysis of Williams syndrome from a linguistic perspective might lead to evidence for the modular structure of the human language faculty, a widespread assumption yet, but without accepted evidence. Karmiloff-Smith amongst others, argues by contrast that disorders, such as Williams syndrome, are too complex to allow such general deduction as presented by Clahsen and Almazan. Method: First, the study by Clahsen and Almazan is going to be introduced. Then, more recent and challenging argumentation from different sources will be discussed in terms of plausibility of the conclusion drawn by the authors of the study. Result: The explanation offered by Clahsen and Almazan is clearly nondevelopmental and therefore discounts vital aspects of language acquisition, especially for people with disorders. Thus, their core argument turns out to be hardly tenable. Conclusion: Evaluation of the contrasting argumentation shows that neither Williams syndrome nor other disorders such as Specific language impairment alone can serve as ultimate proof for modularity of the human language faculty. Disorders rather point to crucial developmental delays and disadvantages in the process of language acquisition and therefore cannot be evidence for the dual structure of the language faculty. Even within single domains, fractionation occurs at such a complex level that any explanation must consider the aspect of development.

Seminar paper from the year 2010 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Linguistics, grade: 1,7, Humboldt-University of Berlin (Anglistik/ Amerikanistik), course: Syntactic Competence, Structures and Processes, language: English, abstract: Background: In their study, Clahsen and Almazan (2001) tried to show that the analysis of Williams syndrome from a linguistic perspective might lead to evidence for the modular structure of the human language faculty, a widespread assumption yet, but without accepted evidence. Karmiloff-Smith amongst others, argues by contrast that disorders, such as Williams syndrome, are too complex to allow such general deduction as presented by Clahsen and Almazan. Method: First, the study by Clahsen and Almazan is going to be introduced. Then, more recent and challenging argumentation from different sources will be discussed in terms of plausibility of the conclusion drawn by the authors of the study. Result: The explanation offered by Clahsen and Almazan is clearly nondevelopmental and therefore discounts vital aspects of language acquisition, especially for people with disorders. Thus, their core argument turns out to be hardly tenable. Conclusion: Evaluation of the contrasting argumentation shows that neither Williams syndrome nor other disorders such as Specific language impairment alone can serve as ultimate proof for modularity of the human language faculty. Disorders rather point to crucial developmental delays and disadvantages in the process of language acquisition and therefore cannot be evidence for the dual structure of the language faculty. Even within single domains, fractionation occurs at such a complex level that any explanation must consider the aspect of development.

Williams Syndrome (WS), aka Williams Beuren Syndrome, is a developmental disorder that we have known about for some forty years. The cause for WS was detected only recently: a micro deletion on chromosome 7, more specifically at the region of chromosome 7q11.23. The cognitive and behavioral profile in WS is characterized by a marked discrepancy between verbal and non-verbal skills combined with relatively spared linguistic skills. Recent research has shown considerable progress defining the areas of intactness in linguistic abilities. This volume builds on that research, giving an overview of the psycholinguistic research undertaken and opening up new perspectives and insights through new data and analyses. This book is of interest to researchers of applied cognitive science and to linguists more occupied with theoretical research.

This collection of papers by leading psychologists includes ground-breaking research on the similarities between SLI and autism, plus other studies at the cutting edge of the field of language impairment and developmental disorders.

How humans produce and understand language is clearly introduced in this textbook for students with only a basic knowledge of linguistics. With a logical, flexible structure Introducing Psycholinguistics steps through the central topics of production and comprehension of language and the interaction between them.

The chapters in this volume arise from presentations at a unique conference on typical and atypical language development held in Madison, USA in 2002. This joint meeting of the International Association for the Study of Child Language, and the Symposium for Research in Child Language Disorders brought together – for the first time in such large numbers – researchers from these two distinct but related fields. The week-long schedule of the conference allowed for an in-depth interrogation of their theoretical positions, methodologies and findings. In the contributions to this volume we have put together a carefully selected set of papers which from various perspectives explore the linkage between developmental theory and language impairment, and at the same time illustrate the effects of distinct conditions – hearing loss, autism, Down syndrome, Williams syndrome and specific language impairment – on the communication abilities of affected individuals. An introductory chapter, and a detailed summary which picks up recurring themes in the chapters, complete the volume.

The Handbook of Speech and Language Disorders presents a comprehensive survey of the latest research in communication disorders. Contributions from leading experts explore current issues, landmark studies, and the main topics in the field, and include relevant information on analytical methods and assessment. A series of foundational chapters covers a variety of important general principles irrespective of specific disorders. These chapters focus on such topics as classification, diversity considerations, intelligibility, the impact of genetic syndromes, and principles of assessment and intervention. Other chapters cover a wide range of language, speech, and cognitive/intellectual disorders.

Is normal language acquisition possible in spite of serious intellectual impairment? The answer, it would appear, is positive. This book summarizes and discusses recent evidence in this respect.

Comprehensive and readable, Understanding Williams Syndrome: Behavioral Patterns and Interventions is an essential guide for all those professionally, scientifically, or personally involved with this so frequently misunderstood and underserved population--psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and other mental health professionals; special educators and vocational counselors; speech-language, physical, and occupational therapists; audiologists; physicians; and parents. In the last 20 years, Williams syndrome has captured the interest of large numbers of scientists and attracted considerable media attention in spite of its rarity (estimated at no more than one in 30,000 births). Those diagnosed display a unique pattern of behavioral, cognitive, and physical limitations and strengths with fascinating neurogenetic implications--a pattern that poses enormous challenges to their parents and caregivers. The authors, a specialist in learning disabilities and a developmental psychologist, review basic information about Williams syndrome, its medical conditions, paradoxical profile, and neurobiological mechanisms; and discuss distinctive features of the language and perceptual and motor performance of children and adults with the syndrome. Other features include: * Strategies for working with patients. * An examination of the difference between Williams syndrome and other developmental disorders. * Problem-specific alternatives for treatment. * Analysis of new directions in research, clinical intervention, education, and systems for care delivery. Throughout, they stress variations among individuals and subgroups in ability level, skills, talents, and problem severity; and emphasize the necessity of recognizing these components in planning treatment on an individual basis.