What does the term ‘articulation’ refer to in speech-language pathology?

The term ‘articulation’ in speech-language pathology specifically refers to the clarity and precision of speech sounds. This encompasses how a person physically produces sounds and words, including the movement and coordination of the lips, tongue, teeth, and palate. Clear articulation is essential for effective communication, as it affects how easily others can understand spoken language.

Articulation disorders can manifest as difficulty pronouncing certain sounds correctly, which can impact an individual's overall communication abilities. In contrast, the study of language rules and structures relates more to linguistics and is not focused solely on sound production. The use of gestures pertains to nonverbal communication and does not involve speech sounds. Lastly, reading and writing coherence involves literacy skills and does not directly relate to the pronunciation and clarity of spoken language.