- Aphasia: Any impairment in language abilities.
- Two primary types: Wernicke’s and Broca’s aphasia.
Wernicke’s Aphasia
- Located in the left hemisphere of the brain.
- Receives input from auditory and visual areas.
- Responsible for language comprehension.
- Symptoms:
- Fluent speech but difficulty understanding language.
- Inability to comprehend both spoken and written language.
- General language impairment, not specific to hearing.
- Impact: Difficult to communicate with individuals with Wernicke’s aphasia due to their inability to understand.
Broca’s Aphasia
- Located in the left hemisphere of the brain.
- Responsible for language production.
- Symptoms:
- Difficulty producing speech despite understanding language.
- Impairment in signing for individuals who use sign language.
- Not a motor impairment but a language production impairment.
- Impact: Challenges in expressing oneself clearly.
- Note: Individuals with either Wernicke’s or Broca’s aphasia may experience some impairment in the opposite area.
Embodied Cognition and Aphasia
- Understanding language involves motor circuits related to speech production.
- Damage to Broca’s area can impair comprehension due to the inability to engage in motor actions associated with speech.
Example: Poetic Expression of Broca’s Aphasia
- A poem written by the lecturer’s aunt after a stroke demonstrates the challenges of Broca’s aphasia.
- The poem conveys clear meaning despite grammatical errors and difficulty expressing thoughts verbally.
Conclusion:
- Aphasia is a complex condition affecting both language comprehension and production.
- Understanding the different types of aphasia is crucial for effective communication and support for individuals with these impairments.
Additional Notes:
- The brain’s ability to recover from stroke is often significant, with many individuals regaining full language function.