الفهرس 
Introduction and RationalOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 145 |  |  |
| | | from | 145 | | |
Abstract
Semantics is one of the branches of linguistics, studying the meaning. It is considered as major branch of linguistics devoted to the study of meaning in language.
The word semantics is derived from the Greek verb –semaino (to signify or to mean). Semantics is part of the larger study of signs, semiotics. It is the part that deal with words as symbols.
Language assessment aim at determining whether there is a problem that needs further assessment and intervention, to determine the goal of intervention (what the child needs to learn) and to suggest procedures for intervention. After identifying the areas in which the child is functioning below expectations for developmental level identified areas that are most delayed relative to other areas would be targeted first.
Assessment of language (including semantics) by standardized tests is considered one of the challenging problems in Sudan as there is no standardized language test.
The aim of this study was to develop and standardize a Sudanese Arabic Speaking Semantic skills test and usage of this test to assess semantic skills among Sudanese children.
The Sudanese Arabic Speaking Semantic Skills Test SASST was formulated with special consideration to Sudan culture and tradition, it is provided with English, Arabic and Sudanese dialect manuals. The test is designed to be applied in Sudanese dialect as it was standardized in Sudan.
The test pictures are chosen to fit Sudan environment culture, social status, and linguistic profile.
The SASST consist of two subscales, to assess semantic reception and production. The test kit consists of picture book, test manual, report sheet, and some manipulatives.
1- The picture book contains pictures that are used as stimulant, these are arranged in increasing difficulty pattern so that different levels can be covered, and the same pictures are used for both the receptive and expressive functions.
2- Test manual is presented in Arabic, English, and Sudanese dialect. The test is to applied in Sudanese dialect.
3- The report sheet is where the child’s score to be register.
4- Manipulatives are small balls that are used for the counting task.
180 children from Khartoum capital of Sudan participated in the standardization of the SASST. The children were classified according to age into 6 groups, each group consist of 30 children. The age range was 2-8 years. The females were 97 equals to 53.9 % of the total number while the males were 83 equals to 46.1%. The participants were randomly selected from different schools and social classes.
A pilot study was conducted on 30 participants before the main study, it was meant to check the test materials (suitable, can be understood easily, clear).
The time of SASST administration is 20-45 minutes. The SASST adopted a very simple scoring system, it is also provided with standard scores and percentile charts.
The effect of certain variables on the test performance were studied and the results indicate that there is high correlation between child performance in the SASST and the chronological age.
The SASST was proved as valid and reliable test for assessment of semantic skills among Sudanese children by using suitable statistical tests.
Some advantages of the SASST;
1- Simple and clear questions in each item with gradual increase in difficulty through items.
2- Test pictures are attractive and amusing to the children, besides being chosen from the children environment, so that children are familiar with them.
3- Short administration time.
4- The scoring system is simple and easy to be applied.
5- The test is supplied by standard scores and percentile charts which make it very easy to interpret children’s scores.
Limitations of the SASST;
1- Small number of standardization sample.
2- The sample is not well distributed to represent all Sudan states.
3- The SASST is in depth assessment of semantic abilities so correlation with other language domain assessment is necessary to complete language evaluation.