What does “articulation” refer to in speech-language pathology?

Articulation in speech-language pathology specifically refers to the clarity and correctness of speech sounds. This involves how sounds are produced and combined to form words. Effective articulation means that an individual can produce sounds in a way that is understandable to others, which is crucial for effective communication.

When assessing articulation, speech-language pathologists look for various aspects, including the accuracy of sound production, the placement of the articulators (like the tongue, lips, and palate), and the fluency of speech. Clear articulation can impact a person's ability to communicate effectively, influencing both social interactions and learning.

The other aspects provided in the choices, such as the speed of speech, emotional tone, and overall complexity of language, are related to different components of communication, but they do not directly define articulation. These components may be important in overall speech and language evaluations, but they do not describe the process and purpose of articulation itself.