The profiling of syntax and pragmatics in aphasia

Abstract

The interactive language of 14 adult aphasic patients was analysed using a syntactic profile (LARSP) and a pragmatic profile, the Profile of Communicative Appropriateness (PCA). Performance on the pragmatic profile, which comprised six separate scales, was correlated with performance on standard measures of communication. The approach to data analysis was taxonomic. Results of the syntactic analysis revealed a characteristic profile type for non-fluent aphasic subjects and at least three distinct profile types for the more fluent subjects. Performance of the subjects on the individual scales of the PCA was widely varied and could not be consistently attributed to aphasia type or locus of lesion, although the degree of severity seemed an accurate predictor of overall skills. Certain global components of communicative competence seemed better retained in the subjects than those demanding specific skills relating to manner of production and control of discourse. A possible relationship between subject variables and outcome on the profiles was suggested and the classificatory implications explored. It is suggested that both syntactic and pragmatic performance are a direct reflection of the patient's attempt to adapt to communicative difficulties and that these levels of language are closely related and mutually explanatory.