Abstract
This paper presents a discussion of the role of linguistics in relation to the study and treatment of linguistic disorders. An empirical, a methodological, and a theoretical contribution are distinguished, and illustrated from recent research. Particular attention is paid to the complexity of sociolinguistic and psycholinguistic factors affecting language study, to the development of fresh techniques of analysis, and to the need to be aware of the kind of problems which impede the analysis and description of language structures and functions. There follows a review of the main limitations of linguistics in its relationship with speech therapy; and the paper concludes with a brief summary of the present state of the art from the viewpoint of the goals outlined at the beginning of the discussion. The main theme is that the primary relevance of linguistics is as an aid in the development of a more explicitly principled therapy.