'Communicative competence' in the field of augmentative and alternative communication: a review and critique. Issue 1 (30th August 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Teachman, Gail; Gibson, Barbara E.
• Is Part Of: International journal of language & communication disorders. Volume 49:Issue 1(2014:Jan./Feb.)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 14
• Publication Date: 2013-08-30
• Subjects: Communicative disorders -- Periodicals; Speech therapy -- Periodicals; Speech disorders -- Periodicals; Language disorders -- Periodicals; 616.855
• DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12055
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-2822

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="jlcd12055-sec-0010" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>Understandings of 'communicative competency' (CC) have an important influence on the ways that researchers and practitioners in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) work toward achieving positive outcomes with AAC users. Yet, very little literature has critically examined conceptualizations of CC in AAC. Following an overview of the emergence of the concept of CC and of the field of AAC, we review seven conceptualizations of CC identified in the literature.</p> </sec> <sec id="jlcd12055-sec-0020" sec-type="section"> <title>Aims</title> <p>To consider the contributions and potential shortcomings of conceptualizations of CC in AAC.</p> </sec> <sec id="jlcd12055-sec-0030" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods & Procedures</title> <p>We use a critical theoretical approach to review, critique and synthesize conceptualizations of CC in AAC, with a particular focus on uncovering 'taken for granted' assumptions. By historically situating the reviewed literature, we examine the shifting boundaries and tensions among theoretical conceptualizations of CC in AAC and their potential impacts on practice.</p> </sec> <sec id="jlcd12055-sec-0040" sec-type="section"> <title>Main contributions</title> <p>We suggest ways that revisiting past scholarly work, alongside emergent, innovative conceptualizations of CC might shift ways of thinking about CC in AAC which tend to focus on the individual who communicates differently, toward (re)location of CC as a shared, socially incorporated and performed communication construct.</p> </sec> <sec id="jlcd12055-sec-0050" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion & Implications</title> <p>We propose that emerging critical perspectives drawn from AAC and other interdisciplinary literatures offer innovative ways of theorizing communication difference, which might inform evolving conceptualizations of CC in AAC.</p> </sec> </abstract>