Participation Type
Paper
Session Title
Session 9.09 History and Poverty
Presentation #1 Title
Cultural Language Variations: An Examination of Appalachian Discourse
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Discourse can be described as any means by which individuals exchange thoughts or ideas, in verbal or written format. Examinations of discourse are essential for documenting the linguistic variations of particular cultures. In turn, linguistic variations across cultures suggest similar variations in global discourse measures. It is imperative for Speech-Language Pathologists, specialists in the identification, assessment, and treatment of communication (speech, language, and swallowing) disorders, to understand the framework and cultural norms of a particular dialect to properly identify deficits in language. Close examination of specific aspects of discourse, such as story grammar, within a normative population can lead to improved treatment protocols for adults with communication disorders. With Appalachia being the heart of the “stroke belt,” research in intervention strategies for discourse deficits is especially important for the future of quality rehabilitation and subsequent impact on the lives of Appalachian citizens. The primary aim of this study was to collect and analyze discourse samples from healthy controls, native to Appalachia, on the parameters of story grammar, cohesion, and coherence. Ten discourse samples were collected from natives ages 50 to 59, and matched for comparison based on demographics (including education level) with discourse samples of individuals non-native to Appalachia. Elements of story grammar were analyzed and coded based on a story narrative task performed by each participant. As a secondary aim of this study, data will be contributed to a national database to provide insight into the cultural/linguistic diversities of this particular dialect.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Katherine L. Ward is a first year Graduate student at Marshall University, Huntington, WV. She holds a BS in CSD with a minor in English, and emphasis in Appalachian culture. Ward's current research focuses on the discourse production practices of Appalachian speakers.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Karen L. McComas, EdD, CCC‐S/A, is Assistant Director, Center for Teaching and Learning, and Professor in CSD. McComas' research activities include an ethnographic study of a community of research practice, a narrative study of social influences on disabilities in Appalachia, and analysis of discourse production of Appalachian speakers.
Cultural Language Variations: An Examination of Appalachian Discourse
Harris Hall 342
Discourse can be described as any means by which individuals exchange thoughts or ideas, in verbal or written format. Examinations of discourse are essential for documenting the linguistic variations of particular cultures. In turn, linguistic variations across cultures suggest similar variations in global discourse measures. It is imperative for Speech-Language Pathologists, specialists in the identification, assessment, and treatment of communication (speech, language, and swallowing) disorders, to understand the framework and cultural norms of a particular dialect to properly identify deficits in language. Close examination of specific aspects of discourse, such as story grammar, within a normative population can lead to improved treatment protocols for adults with communication disorders. With Appalachia being the heart of the “stroke belt,” research in intervention strategies for discourse deficits is especially important for the future of quality rehabilitation and subsequent impact on the lives of Appalachian citizens. The primary aim of this study was to collect and analyze discourse samples from healthy controls, native to Appalachia, on the parameters of story grammar, cohesion, and coherence. Ten discourse samples were collected from natives ages 50 to 59, and matched for comparison based on demographics (including education level) with discourse samples of individuals non-native to Appalachia. Elements of story grammar were analyzed and coded based on a story narrative task performed by each participant. As a secondary aim of this study, data will be contributed to a national database to provide insight into the cultural/linguistic diversities of this particular dialect.
