Definitions matter a lot. If I were to tell you that something was sanctioned, you may assume it was approved, for example “the referee sanctioned a goal”. However, that same word may also be used in the context of penalisation. A good example of this would be “the referee sanctioned a player”. In this case the word has a radically different meaning.
Two Words That Mean Their Own Opposite
Another good example is the word “cleave”. If I were to tell you that a lumberjack cleaved a log apart, I would be referring to the lumberjack splitting the log in two. However, cleave can also refer to clinging tightly to something. An example of this would be a very principled lumberjack, who cleaves to the lumberjack code of conduct.
Both sanction and cleave can mean two radically different things.
From Word Blindness to Delphi
They are both great examples of why definitions matter. This is also true when we are talking about dyslexia. There are many different definitions of dyslexia, and the definition we choose to use is important.
Early on dyslexia was defined as “word blindness”. It was believed that dyslexia was a problem with people’s eyes.
Thankfully, the definition progressed. The most popular definition for dyslexia now, and the one that is used by Dyslexia Ireland, is the Delphi definition.
The Delphi definition of dyslexia is quite long. It could be summarised as “Dyslexia is a set of processing difficulties that affect the acquisition of reading and spelling”. The Delphi definition allows for a more individualised and inclusive approach to identification and intervention.
There are many different definitions of dyslexia, and the definition we choose to use is important.
The Definition of Underserved
It is evident that definitions are important. People with dyslexia make up approximately 10% of the population. Yet this community is the definition of underserved. There are so many fantastic professionals who help. Yet there are so many barriers put in place. This is something that needs to change, and that change is the definition of important.
Topics Covered
- Dyslexia
- Delphi definition
- Dyslexia Ireland
- Understanding dyslexia