Abstract

MAZIBUKO, Xoli; FLACK, Penelope  and  KVALSVIG, Jane. Towards a South African model of language-based learning disability. S. Afr. J. Commun. Disord. [online]. 2019, vol.66, n.1, pp.1-8. ISSN 2225-4765.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/sajcd.v66i1.634.

BACKGROUND: This conceptual article is inspired by the first phase of a doctoral research project that aimed to develop and validate a bilingual language assessment test for IsiZulu-English-speaking children in grades 1, 2 and 3 with language-based learning disabilities (L-b LDs) in South Africa. OBJECTIVES: Phase 1, systematic literature review, pretesting and formulating of a theoretical framework, with the aim to determine early indicators of L-b LDs; this is important for developing a clinical language test as it determines its constructs METHOD: Thematic analysis was used to develop the models. RESULTS: This article reviews the literature on indicators and definitions of L-b LD, introduces models that were developed in the study to conceptualise L-b LD and discusses implications for language test development. CONCLUSION: The models provided in this article conceptualise L-b LD and identify its early indicators. The application of these models in both educational and clinical settings is proposed for differentiation of L-b LD.

Keywords : clinical assessments; early indicators; language-based learning disability; learning disability; systems approach.

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