On natural metalinguistic abilities in aphasia: A preliminary study

Abstract

Background: Natural metalinguistic abilities, which are put into play without explicit instructions, constitute the cognitive basis for a “reflexive” use of language, a particular manifestation of the executive function when applied to language and verbal behaviour. This reflexive use entails a specific attentional activity by speakers and hearers with regard to linguistic outputs, and an intentional experience-based control over the language use. Putting into play natural metalinguistic abilities can be considered a significant factor for explaining different kinds of adaptive processes. Aims: Preliminary research on natural metalinguistic abilities as manifested in people with aphasia will be described in this paper. Our research has been conceived to provide an integrated protocol exploring techniques and skills that reveal a reflexive use of language. Some of these techniques and skills have recently been studied in aphasiology using different methods and from different theoretical perspectives. Methods & Procedures: The natural metalinguistic abilities of 21 aphasic individuals with different aetiology and severity were examined by means of a protocol including a test and two questionnaires. Scores were statistically analysed to determine the reliability and validity of these instruments as a measure of the metalinguistic abilities available. Outcomes & Results: Cronbach's alpha coefficient enables us to prove the consistency of the test and questionnaires. There were high correlations between the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination (BDAE) global scores and scores from the test and questionnaires. The severity of aphasia and the aphasia type (as determined through BDAE) contribute significantly to explaining differences observed in the scores from the test and questionnaires. Conclusions: The results of this preliminary study permit us to conclude that a combined exploration of metalinguistic abilities can be justified for the assessment of aphasia. Moreover, the examination of preserved metalinguistic abilities provides an alternative way for assessing the degree of severity of impaired communicative behaviour by people with aphasia. Our procedure, presumably, will also be useful for suggesting new factors when designing therapeutic programmes.