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Start here by viewing case study examples which show how SALT can be used for assessment.
Language sampling is a four-step process.
- The first step is eliciting and recording a language sample. Eliciting good language samples takes time, training, and practice. This tutorial is designed to guide you in becoming skilled at eliciting high quality, standardized language samples that can be compared to reference databases of typical speakers to give you an accurate assessment of a client's expressive language.
- The second step is transcribing the language sample. Recorded samples are transcribed verbatim including vocalized pauses, repetitions and revisions. The text is typed into a document on the computer in a consistent, readable format.
- The third step in this process is analyzing the language sample using a program such as SALT, which provides information about a client's vocabulary, utterance length and complexity including semantic and syntactic structure.
- The fourth step in the language sampling analysis process is interpreting the results of the analysis. An accurate interpretation will aid in the identification and programming of a client with a language disorder. It will also aid in the identification of a client who does not need special services.
An important component of analysis and interpretation is the comparison of the language sample to a reference database of typical children. The SALT reference databases contain conversational, narrative, and expository language samples from typically developing children.
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