Which term refers to unclear articulation of speech despite normal linguistic ability?

The term that refers to unclear articulation of speech despite having normal linguistic ability is dysarthria. This condition arises from weakness, paralysis, or lack of coordination of the muscles used for speech, which can happen due to neurological issues affecting motor control. Individuals with dysarthria may struggle to pronounce words clearly, which can hinder communication, while their understanding of language and their cognitive language skills remain intact.

While dysphasia refers to a language disorder where comprehension or production of language is impaired, and dysphagia specifically involves difficulty swallowing, these conditions do not solely focus on speech articulation. Apraxia, on the other hand, involves a difficulty in planning and coordinating the movements necessary for speech, which may also affect clarity, but it stems from issues in the brain's ability to execute speech movements rather than the muscle control itself. Thus, dysarthria is the most accurate term for the described difficulty in articulation with preserved linguistic function.