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Electrophysiological Evidence for Sentence Comprehension - Wings

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obtained in different languages which is possible when universally valid concepts of<br />

RRG are used as analytic tools. Communication-and-cognition perspective is also blurred<br />

(to say the least) in eADM. It is difficult to see how contextual, pragmatic or discourse<br />

in<strong>for</strong>mation fits into the model.<br />

1.4. Specific Language Impairment and Language Processing<br />

1.4.1. Definition and classification of SLI<br />

Specific Language Impairment seems to be a language disorder that eludes clear<br />

definition. It usually includes inclusion and exclusion criteria (Leonard, 1998). While<br />

inclusion criteria are less problematic and consist of scores on standardized language<br />

tests, the exclusion criteria bring about questions about the ‘true nature’ or causes of the<br />

Specific Language Impairment. SLI is thus defined as a language impairment that is not<br />

caused by perceptual handicap, intellectual deficits, motor disorders, neurological<br />

dysfunctions or by emotional or behavioral problems (Stark & Tallal, 1981). It is<br />

estimated that the prevalence of SLI is about 7% (Leonard, 1998). The estimation of the<br />

prevalence of SLI depends on the diagnostic criteria or tests used in diagnostic purposes.<br />

If, <strong>for</strong> example, SLI is diagnosed when the test scores are 2 standard deviations below<br />

mean, the prevalence of SLI will be 3% (Bishop, 1997). Bishop adds that the estimates<br />

also depend upon the tests being used and that<br />

…in practice, most children who are seen clinically and recruited <strong>for</strong> research<br />

studies will meet dual criterion that (1) a parent or teacher is concerned about<br />

47

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