Expressing Opinions and Feelings in Aphasia: Linguistic Options

Armstrong, Elizabeth
Expressing Opinions and Feelings in Aphasia: Linguistic Options. In Clinical Aphasiology Conference: Clinical Aphasiology Conference (2004 : 34th : Park City, UT : May 2004) / : (2004).

Abstract

This study examines the ability of 5 speakers with aphasia and 5 matched non-braindamaged speakers to express opinions and feelings through the use of mental and relational verbs. To date, most studies of verb usage in aphasia have focused on the use of relatively concrete lexical verbs, related to how a speaker conveys events and happenings. Few have focused on the speaker’s ability to provide an opinion on these events or personal reactions to them. In using Halliday’s framework of verb types, this study examined the discourse of the speakers across three topics. Results demonstrated less ability overall by aphasic speakers to produce evaluations/opinions/feelings using these lexical items.