The internship project “Sanskrit and Speech Pathology” explores the intersection of ancient Sanskrit texts and modern speech therapy to address speech disorders in children. This internship program engages students in a deep dive into classical Indian literature, such as the Shiksha Shastras and Ayurveda, to uncover historical insights into speech disorders and their treatments. By examining ancient texts, interns will identify various speech disorders documented in historical records, understand their causes, and explore traditional treatment methods, ranging from herbal remedies to surgical interventions.
The internship project also aims to address contemporary challenges faced by speech pathologists in India, particularly the limitations of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) model, which may not fully accommodate the unique phonetic characteristics of Indian languages. Interns will investigate these challenges and derive solutions from ancient Indian phonetic principles, using the scientific arrangement of sounds in the Sanskrit alphabet to enhance modern speech therapy techniques.
Through this research, interns will develop a greater understanding of phonetic alphabets in Indian languages and understand how those can be of use to speech pathologists. They will document therapeutic exercises based on traditional practices. By integrating ancient wisdom with modern therapeutic approaches, the project aims to provide innovative solutions for speech disorders in Indian children, ensuring culturally and linguistically appropriate treatments.
This project not only contributes to the field of speech pathology but also provides interns with valuable research experience, bridging the gap between historical knowledge and contemporary clinical practice. The findings and methodologies developed through this program have the potential to significantly improve the effectiveness of speech therapy in India.
