intelligibility
The degree to which a listener can understand a speaker's verbal message in a given communication context.
Full Definition
Intelligibility refers to how well a speaker's message can be understood by listeners, typically expressed as a percentage of words or utterances correctly identified. This measure is crucial in speech-language pathology for assessing the functional impact of speech sound disorders, motor speech disorders, and other communication impairments. Intelligibility can be measured through formal assessments, conversational samples, or single-word tests, and may vary depending on listener familiarity, context, and environmental factors. Improving intelligibility is often a primary goal in speech therapy intervention plans.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from comprehensibility, which includes non-verbal communication factors.
In Context
- "The child's intelligibility in connected speech was measured at 65% with unfamiliar listeners." — Assessment report
- "Therapy goals target improving intelligibility to 85% in conversational contexts." — Treatment plan