Discursive Analysis of Orofacial Motricity in Colombia

Abstract

Introduction: To analyze the history of Orofacial Motor Skills (OM) in Colombia from the perspective of social actors' discourse. Methods: Twenty-four participants participated in the study, including 4 experts, 15 professionals, and 5 students. Discursive analysis was conducted using a cartographic approach supported by coding techniques. Results: The cartography captures three historical moments: 1. The arrival of OM in Colombia, focused on the difficulties in accessing information. 2. The growth and development of OM, guided by Garliner and Segovia. 3. The paradigm shift from occlusive disorders to neuromotor approaches. Analysis: OM in Colombia maintains a cartographic configuration of knowledge-power centered on forms of discursive control centered on commentary, the author, and the discipline; thus, the status of control centers on a truth-telling device based on historical knowledge. The historicity of this knowledge is reflected in the existence of concepts such as Myofunctional Therapy and Atypical Swallowing, as opposed to the emergence of new categories such as OM, Adapted Swallowing, and the functional approach to health care. Conclusions: OM in Colombia is still gaining recognition as part of the disciplinary status of Speech Therapy, a fact clearly visible in the allocation of academic dedication to the area within current undergraduate training programs.