Translation of "Dysarthria" in Japanese

Abstract

Dysarthria is a collective name of speech disorders defined as "abnormalities of speech sounds caused by disturbances in the neuromuscular systems involved in the process of speech execution.” The term "運動障害性構音障害" (literally, “articulation disorders caused by motor disorders”) has long been used as a translation of “dysarthria” in the Japanese Health Insurance reimbursement system and in the national examination criteria for speech-language-hearing therapists. However, there have been various discussions about the validity of this translation. For example, the definitional distinction from "運動性構音障害” (literally, “motor-related articulation disorders”), which is the translation of "motor speech disorders," has not been properly adopted, resulting in confusion in usage, or inappropriate use of "構音," “articulation,” for all coordinated motor functions related to speech. The Speech, Language and Development Committee of the Japan Society of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (JSLP) has examined the need for a proper translation for “dysarthria” which can be shared by researchers and is understandable not only to specialists but also to the public, including patients. Here, we reviewed how the definition of dysarthria has evolved in Europe and the U.S., as well as how discussions have developed regarding the translated name in Japan. As our conclusion, we have proposed the term "発語運動障害," literally, “motor disorders of speech,” as an appropriate translation of “dysarthria.”