LMT – Linguistic Maturity Testing

LMT – Linguistic Maturity Testing

Linguistic Technologies, Inc. has conducted extensive research and development in linguistic testing. This information sheet explains what Linguistic Maturity Testing [LMT] is and how it may be applied in an educational setting.

• The language of children is simple compared to that of adults. Children use shorter sentences with less involved syntax. Their vocabulary is more restricted.
• The relative frequency of the various parts of speech in the language of children differs markedly from that found in the language of adults.
• As children mature, their language develops gradually, becoming less child-like and more adult-like.
• The rate of development, however, differs from person to person, and not all persons reach the same level of development when they are adults.
• It is possible, by using computerized analyses of written samples, to trace the course of language development.
• Specific tests can reveal where changes are occurring as well as the rate and magnitude of those changes.
• Such tests, when conducted for individuals, are useful in predicting language performance. A linguistic standard scale serves as a reference for stating and comparing maturity scores. Linguistic scores can be used to supplement other methods of academic scoring and achievement testing.
• Linguistic testing is accurate and objective. It pinpoints linguistic strengths and weaknesses. Test results are useful for classing students in terms of their relative linguistic development or for customizing instruction and prescribing remedial exercises to meet individual needs.
• Linguistic testing opens up new possibilities for innovative curriculum design and instructional strategies in langauge-related subjects.
• Computerized linguistic testing may be implemented for students wherever advanced computer hardware and software are available to them for writing purposes, regardless of language.

Linguistic Technologies, Inc., will implement LMT on a contractual basis for interested parties.