DILLo: an Italian lexical database for speech-language pathologists

Abstract

A novel lexical resource for treating speech impairments from childhood to senility: DILLo—Database Italiano del Lessico per Logopedisti (i.e., Italian Database for Speech-Language Pathologists) is presented. DILLo is a free online web application that allows extraction of filtered wordlists for flexible rehabilitative purposes. Its major aim is to provide Italian speech-language pathologists (SLPs) with a resource that takes advantage of Information and Communication Technologies for language in a healthcare setting. DILLo’s design adopts an integrated approach that envisages fruitful cooperation between clinical and linguistic professionals. The 7690 Italian words in the database have been selected based on phonological, phonotactic, and morphological properties, and their frequency of use. These linguistic features are encoded in the tool, which includes the orthographic and phonological transcriptions, and the phonotactic structure of each word. Moreover, most of the entries are associated with their respective ARASAAC pictogram, providing an additional and inclusive tool for treating speech impairments. The user-friendly interface is structured to allow for different and adaptable search options. DILLo allows Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) to obtain a rich, tailored, and varied selection of suitable linguistic stimuli. It can be used to customize the treatment of many impairments, e.g., Speech Sound Disorders, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Specific Learning Disabilities, aphasia, dysarthria, dysphonia, and the auditory training that follows cochlear implantations.