State of the Art on Psycholinguistic Research in Colombia

Abstract

Psycholinguistics began its development as an independent science in Colombia in 1970. This beginning was characterized by the study of language acquisition from a qualitative perspective, while empirical study was relegated. This documentary review aims to observe the current panorama of empirical psycholinguistic studies in Colombia. Methodology consisted of a search and analysis of 51 scientific articles published in databases between 2013 and 2020. Results showed studies on the topics of language acquisition, difficulties in language acquisition and learning, reading, difficulties in reading and writing acquisition. More publications were found in two cities: Bogotá and Medellín, in three universities: Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Universidad de Antioquia y Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. 82% of the articles analyzed possible causes and effects, 10% carried out interventions, and 8% validated tests. The most widely used tests were the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV) (Wechsler, 2005), (35%), and Neuropsychological Assessment of Infants (Matute et al., 2007), (32%). In conclusion, psycholinguistic research in Colombia shows significant advances in recent years. Currently there is greater openness to research topics with empirical methodology.