Word prediction in assistive technologies for aphasia rehabilitation using Systemic Functional Grammar

Abstract

This paper investigates the potential application of natural language processing techniques in order to improve the effectiveness of assistive technologies in Aphasia rehabilitation. Aphasia rehabilitation has predominately been centered on therapy sessions with speech language pathologists. While augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices have made identifiable progress in providing support which is able to be managed by the individual, language production tasks are often challenged by the limitations brought about by Aphasia. What follows is a description of a word prediction strategy based on systemic functional grammar, which incorporates syntactic and contextual analysis; and its potential for aiding language production in assistive technologies.