Tools: Adaptive communication switches, sound

measuring apparatus, stroboscopes, voice

synthesizer, analytical software, medical software,
straws, and chewing tools.

Subject: Speech Language

Pathology Major

Rules: Must earn a

masters or doctorate
degree in Speech
Language Pathology.
Must be certified by
American Speech
Language Hearing
Association.
Completion of
postgraduate clinical
work. Passed a
national examination.

Object: Support and helping an

individual to be able to
communicate effectively with other
people for meeting his or her needs
and social relationships in every
situation of life.
Outcome: To allow an individual to
be able to communicate and go
through everyday life with as little
as no
communication/swallowing/speech
problems.

Division of Labor:
Speech pathologists
that work in different
communities. The
patient alone assists in
the division of labor.
Communication
problems ,swallowing
problems, and reading
problems.

Community: Schools, hospitals, private clinics, rehabilitation

centers, individual homes, nursing facilities, and young/old
patients.

Discourse Community Response

New and old discourse communities surround us; these communities are filled with people who have common interests, goals,
and values. My discourse community happens to be a special one, not only is it a competitive field but it also deals with a group of
people that want to help those around them. The activity theory worksheet shown above consists of a triangle referred to as the activity
system triangle. This triangle helps the reader or member of the discourse community to have a better understanding of the purpose
and parts that keep this community running. The subject in my activity theory worksheet is my major, Speech Language Pathology.
The subject uses a wide variety of tools to complete treatment. A few of these tools are sound measuring apparatuses, voice
synthesizers, medical software, straws for swallowing and the list continues. The tools not only help the patients but they also allow
speech pathologists to see what is wrong with the patient and what step to take next in treating that individual. Medical software and
technology allow the speech pathologists to work with the patient and hopefully achieve their goals. All speech pathologists have one
common object or purpose, which is to help an individual to be able to communicate effectively with other people. This effective
communication allows that individual to meet his or her everyday needs and social relationships throughout life. The outcome or goal
speech pathologists hope to achieve after various treatments is an individual that is able to communicate, swallow, speak and read in
their everyday life with as little as no problems. This discourse community or activity system serves a large community. This
community consists of patients young, middle aged, and elderly. The patients can be treated in various environments (communities)
such as schools, hospitals, private clinics, rehabilitation centers, individual homes, and nursing facilities. There are certain rules or
guidelines that must be accomplished and followed before a member of this discourse community is fully able to participate. In order

to be a part of this activity system one must earn a masters or doctorate degree in speech language pathology. The next step in
becoming a member is attaining certification from the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and passing a
national examination. The last step is completion of postgraduate clinical work. Touching the division of labor category speech
pathologists branch out into different fields by teaching patients how to swallow, communicate, and read. The division of labor is also
divided amongst the patients, community in which treatment takes places, and the speech pathologist. Division of labor is so important
because without these separate groups working together the triangle wouldnt be able to function. Everyone in this activity system or
discourse community must do their part, follow the rules, and have the same mind set in order to achieve the goals they have set
before them. Being able to communicate effectively is so important and not only does my discourse community use this to keep the
triangle functioning but it also teaches communication to help others function. This activity has given me a new perspective on my
major and driven me to continue learning more about what I can do as a member of this discourse community.