Language Impairment (LI)
Definition
Language impairments are disorders of language that interfere with communication, adversely affect performance and/or functioning in the student’s typical learning environment, and result in the need for exceptional student education. A Language impairment is defined as a disorder in one or more of the basic learning processes involved in understanding or in using spoken or written language. These include:- Phonology – Phonology is defined as the sound system of a language and the linguistic conventions of a language that guide the sound selection and sound combinations used to convey meaning;
- Morphology – Morphology is defined as the system that governs the internal structure of words and the construction of word forms;
- Syntax – Syntax is defined as the system governing the order and combination of words to form sentences, and the relationships among the elements within a sentence;
- Semantics – Semantics is defined as the system that governs the meanings of words and sentences; and
- Pragmatics – Pragmatics is defined as the system that combines language components in functional and socially appropriate communication.
The language impairment may manifest in significant difficulties affecting listening comprehension, oral expression, social interaction, reading, writing, or spelling. A language impairment is not primarily the result of factors related to chronological age, gender, culture, ethnicity, or limited English proficiency. This definition is found in State Board of Education Rule 6A-6.030121, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.).
State Lead Contact
Florida Rules
- 6A-6.030121, F.A.C., Exceptional Student Education Eligibility for Students with Language Impairments and Qualifications and Responsibilities for the Speech-Language Pathologists Providing Language Services
- 6A-4.0176, F.A.C., Specialization Requirements for Certification in the Area of Speech-Language Impaired (Grades K-12) - Academic Class
- 6A-4.01761, F.A.C., Specialization Requirements for Certification in the Area of Speech-Language Impaired/Associate - Academic Class