Non-phonological

Referring to aspects of language structure and function that do not directly involve the sounds of speech (phonology). This encompasses areas like semantics (meaning), syntax (sentence structure), morphology (word formation), pragmatics (language use in context), and discourse analysis (analysis of longer stretches of text). non-phonological elements concern the organization and interpretation of language beyond its pronunciation, focusing on how meaning is constructed, relationships between words and sentences, and how language serves communication.

Non-phonological meaning with examples

• Aphasia can affect both phonological and non-phonological language abilities. For example, someone with semantic aphasia might struggle to understand the meaning of words, a problem that is inherently non-phonological, even though the sound may be perfectly fine. They would struggle to correctly name objects.
• The study examined children's developing non-phonological skills like sentence structure and vocabulary size. They learned to tell stories, understanding the relationships between clauses, and developing their ability to effectively express ideas without making pronunciation the focus.
• When analyzing a text, a literary critic often focuses on non-phonological features such as the symbolism, themes, and plot. These elements can convey the story's meaning without focusing on the sounds used.
• Foreign language learning involves both phonological and non-phonological components. Students must not only master pronunciation but also the grammatical rules and vocabulary needed for comprehension and generation of language. These involve understanding how the language works.
• Dyslexia is often associated with phonological difficulties, but it can also affect non-phonological processes like rapid naming of objects. These cognitive processes involve understanding how language conveys meaning rather than their sounds.