Tan S H, Tay J S
J Singapore Paediatr Soc. 1989;31(1-2):7-13.
Speech is unique to man, as a system of communication in which thoughts are expressed and understood by using acoustic symbols. The range of normality in speech development in children is wide. Development does not occur at a steady rate and language milestones are earlier in girls. There is speech delay if the child is not speaking by 3 1/2 years of age, or speech may be defective in articulation or language. Any speech problems should be detected and treated however as early as possible and hence certain children in high-risk groups should be screened for hearing or speech problems.
言语是人类独有的一种交流系统，通过使用声学符号来表达和理解思想。儿童言语发展的正常范围很广。发展并非以稳定的速度进行，女孩的语言里程碑出现得更早。如果孩子到3岁半还不会说话，或者言语在发音或语言方面可能存在缺陷，就存在言语延迟。然而，任何言语问题都应尽早发现并治疗，因此高危群体中的某些儿童应接受听力或言语问题筛查。
