Abstract:
PURPOSE : Language sample analysis is widely regarded as the gold standard of
language assessment. However, the uncertainty regarding the optimal length of
sample and the limited availability of developmental language data for nonmainstream
languages such as Afrikaans complicate reliable use of the method. The
study aimed to provide guidelines on representative length of sample and concurrently
provide a preliminary description of the spoken language skills of
Afrikaans-speaking children.
METHOD : The study involved 30 typically developing Afrikaans-speaking children
aged between 3;6 and 9;6 (years;months). A descriptive research design was
used to transcribe and analyze 1-hr interactions collected in natural environments
of participants who were recruited using referral sampling. Video and
audio recordings of the samples were transcribed using adapted Sampling
Utterances and Grammatical Analysis Revised analysis procedures.
RESULTS : Results indicated that mean length of utterance in words per minute,
number of different words per minute, and total number of words per minute
stabilized at 30 min and no significant differences were found between 30 min
and longer time segments. Morphology results concur with existing developmental
findings in Afrikaans. Lexical diversity results correlated with the findings
of the lexical specificity and accuracy in the Prutting and Kirchner Pragmatic
Protocol (Prutting & Kirchner, 1987). The developmental trajectories for pragmatic
and phonological development were consistent with existing guidelines.
CONCLUSIONS : The study concluded that a 30-min interaction segment provides
a representative language sample for Afrikaans-speaking children who are
between 3;6 and 9;6. It provides promising preliminary developmental data and
clinical guidelines, confirming the potential of language sample analysis (LSA)
as a reliable component of language assessment in Afrikaans.
