Linguistics Action Group

Test of Expressive Language Test of Expressive Language Skills for Maltese Speaking Skills for Maltese Speaking

ChildrenChildren

Test talTest tal--MorfoloMorfoloāāija talija tal--Malti Malti TMTMTMTM

Ms. Josette Portelli B.Sc. (Hons.), M.A. (Ling.)Ms. Sonia Azzopardi Axiak B.Sc. (Hons.), M.A. (Ling.) Dip QPM

Ms. Angela Scerri Cassar B.Sc. (Hons.), M.A. (Ling.)Ms. Claudine Zerafa B.Sc. (Hons.), M.A. (Lancs.)Mr. Rosario Mizzi B.Sc. (Hons.), M.A. (Ling.)

October 201October 20133SPEECH LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT

SpeechSpeech--Language DepartmentLanguage Department

Introduction

� Language is the most powerful tool that humans possess.

� The mission of the Speech-Language Department is to identify communication difficulties and to design, implement and evaluate programmes for intervention which maximise the communication abilities of our clients.

Language assessment… why?

� SLPs work with a large paediatriccaseload within the community.

� No formal assessments targeting morphology of the Maltese language are available.

� Morphology of the Maltese language is unique and merits a tailor made test.

LAG – Linguistics Action Group

� A Linguistics Action Group was set up within the Speech-Language Department under the auspices of the Manager.

� The main aim was to:

� devise a formal clinical assessment tool to assess the use of Maltese morphology to be used by local SLPs across a variety of communication disorders.

Test tal-Morfoloāija tal-Malti TMTM

� Targets children aged 2 to 8 years;

� Applicable to both genders;

� Takes around 30 minutes to administer;

� Aimed at Maltese-speaking children.

Test tal-Morfoloāija tal-Malti TMTM

� Picture booklets

� Black and white

� Line drawings

� Pictures are original to the test

Sample of pictures

Test tal-Morfoloāija tal-Malti TMTM

Forms

� 12 sub-sections, increasing in morphological complexity,

� Each sub-section targets a different morphological structure e.g. plurals, gender, negatives etc.,

� Test allows for separate scoring of evidence and correct use of structures,

� Sub-sections are numerically scored;giving a possible maximum total score of 180.

Sample of form

Standardisation of the test

� The test was piloted on 30 children ranging between 2;00 and 8;00 years.

� Minor changes to both picture booklet and form were made following piloting.

� The test was then standardised on 1000 children in Malta and Gozo. The test population involved children attending State, Church and Independent schools.

� The standardisation process was planned over three academic years and was finalised in June 2013.

Standardisation cont…

To make the sample representative of the entire population:

� No children were excluded from the test regardless;

� of their proficiency in spoken Maltese

� language abilities

� cognitive abilities

Selection criteria were only age & gender.

Methodology:� 6 church, 2 independent, and 6 state schools participated in this study (2 in Gozo).

� 1000 respondents were involved in the process.

� 5 SLPs were involved in the testing process, over a period of three scholastic years.

� Parental consent was obtained prior to random selection of participants.

� Children were shown the test booklet in a 1-1 setting and asked the standard questions pertaining to the test.

� Responses were recorded in forms and results analysed.

Findings and Observations

� No difference in the performance of males and females.

� Total scores increase with chronological age.

� Spoken language background has a significant effect on the child’s test performance.

� Developmental patterns were observed.

Developmental Morphological PatternsAge Morphological Patterns

2-3 years Verbi

3-4 years Verb + Oāāett, Āens + Għadd tal-Verb, Temp tal-verb,Aāāettivi, Āens + Għadd tal-Aāāettivi, PrepoŜizzjonijiet, Negattiv, Oāāett Dirett, Oāāett Indirett, Plural (Regolari)

5 years Plural (Irregolari)

6 years

7 years Komparattiv

8 years

Clinical Use

� Dissemination of TMTM in speech and language clinics in Malta and Gozo,

� Tool is for the use of Speech and Language Pathologists with background of linguistics and knowledge of language acquisition,

� The developmental norms will now provide a baseline for clinical intervention plans.

� This study confirms the importance of early referral and intervention.

Questions

Thank you

The Speech-Language DepartmentIngiered Rd., Luqa

http://www.sahha.gov.mt

Telephone: 21230822

e-mail: [email protected]

[email protected]

SPEECH LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT

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Male Female Total

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Mean total scores for males and females

Mean total scores across age groups

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2;00-2;05

2;06-2;11

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3;06-3;11

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4;06-4;11

5;00-5;05

5;06-5;11

6;00-6;05

6;06-6;11

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7;06-7;11

8;00-8;05

age groups

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Development of ‘verb + oāāett dirett+oāāett indirett

e.g. kissirhielu

Development of ‘In-Negattiv’

e.g. Ma jixrobx