Measuring Working Memory in SLI Using Sentence Repetition

Abstract

Given the significance of sentence repetition as a possible clinical marker across languages for specific language impairment (SLI), this study investigates Cypriot Greek. It reports on the clinical utility of a sentence repetition task (SRT) to distinguish children with SLI from those with typical language development (TLD). The research questions address (i) quantitative differences on SRT abilities between children with SLI (n=16) and TLD (n=22), (ii) SRT performance influenced by sentence length as related to short-term working memory span, and (iii) possible correlations of SRT scores with a global language test used for the identification of SLI in Cyprus.