Analyzing Phonological Errors in Non-Fluent Aphasia: An Acoustic Analysis

Abstract

This study investigated the phonological error patterns in the speech of a patient with non-fluent aphasia, focusing on the nature and types of sound deficits, syllabic structures, and language abilities. Utilizing a quantitative-descriptive case study design, the research aims to analyze KW's consonant and vowel production errors, categorize their severity, and assess the decline in his speech abilities. Various language tasks, including word and picture naming, comprehension questions, and oral reading, were administered and recorded for acoustic analysis. Transcriptions were made using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to capture phonological deviations. Results revealed a total of 44 phonological errors, predominantly substitutions (31), along with distortions, additions, and omissions. Notable patterns included frequent substitutions of complex consonant sounds and vowel alterations, indicating challenges in articulating sounds, particularly in high-complexity positions. Acoustic measurements demonstrated significant differences in formant values and articulation duration compared to typical speech. These findings highlight the intricate nature of phonological impairments in non-fluent aphasia, emphasizing the need for tailored therapeutic interventions to improve speech production. The study contributes to the understanding of aphasia-related speech difficulties and provides a framework for further exploration of phonological errors in similar cases.