Representations of ‘verbs’ in a computerized visual communication system

Implementation of computer-based language therapy in aphasia

“…The use of a nonspecific, nonverbal, language-like computerized symbolic communication system for individuals with aphasia also has been the focus of several studies by Steele, Weinrich and colleagues [e.g. Weinrich et al 1993Weinrich et al , 1989. A commercial version, Lingraphica TM , incorporating multimodal treatment administered by a speech-language pathologist has been shown to improve natural language, including oral-expressive language [Aftonomos et al 1999[Aftonomos et al , 1997.…”

Drawingthe message across: A successful approach to the improvement of communicative interactions in aphasia?

“…Weinrich et al 1989) and in arranging these symbols in agreement with previously specified relationships (cf. Weinrich et al 1993). Not all symbols were found to be learned with equal success.…”

“…Analogously, the correct C-VIC preposition sign can be identified or selected by relying on a strategy of conditioned matching. Caution is also warranted in taking the successful production of linear symbol strings as reflecting some retained mapping ability which in spoken and written English appears to be blocked by morphological processing demands (Weinrich et al 1993). C-VIC has certainly proved to be a useful tool in probing the capacities of patients with severe language comprehension and production deficits to perform certain cognitive tasks.…”

“…Before commenting on the value of drawing as a communication aid it might be revealing to review the results of some of these attempts. A visual symbol system which is receiving renewed attention since its computer implementation (Steele et al 1989) was initially introduced by Gardner et al (1976).…”

“…As the authors maintained, the difficulties experienced in training symbols for verbs might be reduced with more apt representations for verbs. In a more recent study (Weinrich et al 1993) animated symbols were used in training the production of prepositional phrases to describe the position of objects. The number of sessions which five of the six severely aphasic patients needed to reach criterion varied greatly, and was not always related to their residual auditory comprehension and reading skills.…”