Challenges of Language and Social Exclusion Among Children

Many children when they are younger experience some kind of difficulty with speech, language, and/or communication when they are growing up that results in them needing special attention. For some children, their speech, language, and communication needs are linked to social disadvantages. Children who have SLCN (speech, language, and communication needs) usually have problems with the production or comprehension of spoken language, with using processing speech sounds, or with understanding and using language in social contexts. Some children also have primary speech impairments or could have conditions such as learning difficulties or autistic spectrum disorders. Children who have SLCN unfortunately are sometimes faces with social exclusion. This is a complex process that involves lack of resources, rights, goods, and services and the inability to participate in the normal relationships and activities available to the majority of people in society. Social exclusion affects both the quality of life of individuals as well as the equality and structure of society as a whole. Typically, children who are socially excluded experience barriers to their full participation in society.

Children who have speech, language, and communication needs face multiple risk factors for social exclusion. Developmental Psychologist and Professor of human Development and Qualitative Methodology at the University of Maryland, Melanie Killen. explains some of the risk factors that children who have language disorders face. 

Professor Killen explains that children who are excluded from their peers don't have opportunities for social interactions which makes it hard for them to have social confidence. The more someone is  excluded, the more you become unmotivated which affects you in the long run. 

Language disabilities can be hidden but their affects can be far reaching.

In addition to what Professor Killen explained, health, safety, participation, behavior, education, and employment are also risk factors of speech, language, and communication needs. Limited language skills are a risk factor for mental health difficulties because children with limited language skills are less likely to talk about their thoughts and feelings than their peers. Also, it is harder for these children to engage with others, resulting in higher levels of loneliness than their peers. Next, children who have language disabilities are at risk of bullying and may find it difficult to voice their concerns in certain situations, and ones that could be dangerous. However, Professor Killen says, "social exclusion is different from bullying." Killen explains that there may be times when exclusion is ok becasue people are excluded for a legitimate reason. For example, a slow runner may not be included in the race because the team wouldn't succeed. Children need to understand what situations are ok for someone to be excluded and when it is not ok. 

Communication and participation are risk factors for social exclusion as well. Communication skills are fundamental to being able to make positive contributions socially and academically. In addition, one needs to be verbal to make decisions and children can appear to have difficulty thinking when they are actually struggling with the language needed for them to contribute. The impact speech, language, and communication needs has on children has an effect on their interaction with their peers. Toddlers who have limited language are more likely to be withdrawn and less likely to play with their peers. Likely, children in pre-school settings could be ignored by their peers and are less responsive if others try to engage in them. Behavior is also affected by language impairments. Children can be at risk of developing anti-social and criminal behaviors in the long run. Social communication skills are necessary for building relationships, so it is likely that children and young people with conduct disorders may have problems in this area. 

Communication and education are also risk factors for children with speech, language, and communication needs. Having such needs can make it difficult for teachers to virtually assess in the school setting. Most aspects of education are underpinned by language and yet good communication skills are often assumed or expected. Language skills are key to the development of literacy so children who have certain needs are at risk of literacy difficulties, therefore limiting their access to education. Finally, in an increasingly driven world we live in today, employers value young people with good communication and interaction skills. People who have speech, language, and communication needs can be as a disadvantage in the working world. 

Language and social exclusion have been linked and hold a strong connection to one another.

The link between social exclusion and speech, language, and communication needs work in two directions. One is those who experience the needs are at risk of social exclusion, and second, those who experience social disadvantage are at risk of having impaired communication skills. Inadequate language and communication skills put children at disadvantages which can have a huge impact on their lives. It is vital for children to have early interactions with people because just hearing language is not enough to help children be effective communicators. The quality of interaction a child experiences is important for their development. Professor Killen describes the language problems to be a stigma, further influencing the children's social well beings. 

Children don't include others sometimes because they think they have something wrong with them, which is not always the case. Early interactions and healthy attachments are important for the development of thinking, language, and emotional literacy skills. Sadly, children who do not have strong early attachments are at risk of disadvantage in regards of language and behavior. The earlier children experience interactions, the better because the experiences will affect the rest of their development. Many research studies have been conducted to help children improve their speech, language, and communication needs. Programs are available for children who are in need to help them get through their difficulties and better exceed during their lives. 

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The Importance of Dialogical Ethics in Journalism

According to Neher and Sandin, dialogical ethics is “a system in which ethics can be judged by the attitudes and behaviors demonstrated by each participant in a communication transaction.” With dialogical ethics, journalism is not conveyed based on a personal agenda, rather a neutral point of view, straight up reporting that creates an open dialogue that accepts views of other people without any judgments. Dialogical ethics comes from the roots of ancient Greece and it is important in the world of journalism. It is a natural inclusion in any type of discussion of ethics because dialogue is inherently ethical. Dialogue is deemed ethical because it engages in a give and take discussion of relational issues with the opportunity for all interested parties to have their say. Moreover, people who are involved in ethical dialogs typically have an open mind to hearing the views of other people.

An unbiased opinion is key in journalistic dialogue.

Journalists communicate up to date news and current events every day and it is important for news and information to be reported and shared with an unbiased opinion in order for readers and viewers to form their own opinions and judgments. This dialogical ethic maintains fair communication and serves as revealing information. Dialogues that people have in conversation conversely create relationships. This type of dialogue naturally creates biases. In journalism, dialogical ethics are necessary to provide viewers and readers with factual news with a neutral delivery. This makes the style of the writing more appealing to read as well. Regardless of the opinion of the journalist, each and every communication must be conveyed with dialogical ethics or the journalist risks inconsistencies with the story they are reporting on which could impact viewership or readership. 

Today’s news stories are surrounded by ethics on a daily basis, including a story about smart meters in homes.

 On WUSA 9.com, journalist Kristin Fisher discussed the matter regarding the state of Maryland passing a bill that would allow power companies to install Smart Meters in homes.  Those opposed to this bill are asking the representatives in Annapolis to consider their concerns of wireless radiation and how it can cause poor health and that there could be risk if the wireless reporting is being shared with the wrong people. Opponents suggested that the Bill is about freedom of choice and the Maryland citizens should be able to exercise that right by not paying for something they do not want. If the bill is approved, it would allow Pepco and BG&E customers to keep opting-out of the program at no cost, and those companies would be fined if they release any of the data they collect to third party advertisers. Kristin Fisher upheld dialogical ethics while conveying both sides of the Smart Meter issue throughout the story.  She highlighted the issue and both points of view while conveying the viewers the facts of this developing House Bill in the state of Maryland. The facts were simply stated about the issue and both sides of the concern were clearly defined, which is an aspect of dialogical ethics. In addition, throughout the story, there was not any indication of personal opinion when reporting the two sides, also supporting the act of dialogical ethics. Kristen clearly researched the Smart Meter issue in depth, and shared both sides of the implications of the pending Bill. This reflection of dialogical ethics showcased how this journalist offered her viewers a clear and concise viewpoint on the issue with an unbiased opinion.

Dialogical ethics is not only important just for journalists.

In school, as a student, socially, athletically and on the job, dialogical positioning is important for effective communicating. In all of those aspects of life, dialog ignites opinion and plentiful conversion. When it comes to journalism however, it is extremely necessary that news and storytelling be presented in a way in which viewers and readers conclude their own observations and opinions. Kristen, in the news story above, did a good job of allowing the readers to make their own assumptions and opinions of the situation. It is imperative for journalists to have no agenda while reporting or writing so they can present their information with an open mind. I believe ethical consideration is important for anyone when it comes to dialogues.

CITADEL: Going Going Going...Gone

          Citadel was founded in Phoenix, Arizona in 1984 as Citadel Associates Limited Partnership, known as CALP with the purchase of two radio stations. Throughout the next few years, CALP merged with Montana Limited Partnership, CAMLP in order for Citadel to own and operate stations in Montana.  Following that merger, Citadel Broadcasting Company was incorporated in Nevada and Citadel bought all the radio stations run by CALP and CAMLP to keep growing their company. 

Citadel Communications under the name Citadel Broadcast Corporation was formed. 

Once the Telecommunications Act of 1996 was passed, enabling ownership limits to be raised in single markets, Citadel invested over $1 billion to acquire more than 170 radio station in the late 90’s. Citadel Communications (Citadel Broadcast Corporation) was the third largest all radio company in the United States that reached over 50 markets. Citadel had 66 AM stations and 177 FM stations in the nation’s leading markets as well as owning the Citadel Media Business.

            Expansion of Citadel continued in the Midwest and throughout the South costing millions of dollars per acquisition.

 The revenues were at the company’s record high, but the net loss was unrecoverable, likely due to the fast expansion of their business. Hoping to improve the large amount of debt they acquired, they continued to expand, and bought the radio division of Disney, ABC Radio in 2006. Disney’s ABC radio consisted of 22 large market radio stations and the ABC Radio Network. This particular purchase gave Citadel its first major market presence.  The hopes of larger market advertising deals meant higher revenues to be expected.  Due to the recession and a variety of factors, advertising was low and Citadel was too far in debt to recover. Despite their efforts to consolidate head count in many markets in order to increase revenue, the expenses aligned with all of these stations exceeded its operation income causing the inability for Citadel to be profitable.  They had taken on billions of dollars by acquiring ABC Radio causing them file for bankruptcy.

            Citadel continued to plug away at their efforts to turn the business around and ultimately Citadel Broadcasting Corporation was bought by Cumulus.  

This particular acquisition made Cumulus Media the largest all radio company in the United States owning 570 radio stations in 120 markets along with a radio network that serves over 4,000 stations. Cumulus is the top provider of local marketing solutions in the nation. Competing with other media giants such as CBS Radio, Bonneville and Clear Channel, Cumulus remains to be the only pure radio company in the industry.

            Regarding operations of such radio groups, there is a vast difference between the media giants and the independent “like” run radio stations.  The ABC Radio division of Disney for example was simply an item line on their annual report.  Since Disney is primarily an entertainment company, the radio division was more of a stepchild, which left room for ABC Radio executive management to run their stations without any corporate dictatorship, as if they were independently owned. The benefits mirrored those of Disney employees, generous, and the belief that the highest level of customer service led to winning was the norm.  I spoke with an ex-employee of ABC Radio and Citadel and another ex-employee of Cumulus, both from the sales departments of the stations. They shared that the transition to Citadel was like night and day. The family friendly environment of ABC Radio, and longevity of careers that were fostered in the healthy working atmosphere, were all comprised upon the acquisition of Citadel.  Roles and responsibilities changed, staff was reduced and expectations were closely managed and disciplined at the expense of experience and earned reputation. The person who worked for Cumulus expressed that their sales philosophy is micro-managed in a cookie cutter kind of manner in that all Cumulus stations sales departments are trained, and accountable in the same way throughout the country. There was not room for showcasing strengths or individuality, preventing employees from growing their careers through their own personal goals.  Mergers and acquisitions have changed the way media companies operate, but as the industry continues attempt to maintain market share in such a competitive media landscape, working environment in my opinion, is key to generate the most productivity and success. 

Hi! My name is Jamie Burke and I am a Family Science Major and a Human Development Minor. I am a current Junior and am on the Cheerleading Team. I came in as a direct admit to the Journalism school, but choose to switch my major. I am very excited thought to be in this class and look forward to learning about mass communications!