Aphasia type

Broca’s Aphasia

Broca's aphasia makes speaking slow and hard. Understanding is usually much better than speaking.

See practice exercises โ†“

What it looks like

  • Speech. Slow and effortful, in short phrases.
  • Key words only. Small words like "the," "and," and "is" drop out. This is called telegraphic speech.
  • Finding words. Hard, especially action words (verbs).
  • Understanding. Usually good for everyday conversation.
  • Awareness. Usually knows about the mistakes. This can be frustrating.

Day to day

The person often knows exactly what to say. The words are hard to get out.

They may say "Coffeeโ€ฆ cupโ€ฆ table." They mean "The coffee is in the cup on the table." Writing is often hard too.

Language skills

Often harder

  • Speaking smoothly
  • Building sentences
  • Grammar
  • Saying sounds clearly
  • Repeating words
  • Writing
  • Finding words

Usually still works

  • Understanding everyday speech
  • Following directions
  • Understanding what they read
  • Noticing own mistakes

What speech therapists use

  • Semantic Feature Analysis (SFA). Describe a word by its group, its use and its look. Describing can bring the word up.
  • Verb Network Strengthening (VNeST). Practice an action word with who does it and to what: "The chef chops onions."
  • Melodic Intonation Therapy. Sing or tap out short phrases. Rhythm and melody can help words come out.
  • Script training. Practice a short, useful conversation, like ordering coffee, until it comes easily.

A speech therapist (SLP) picks the approach for each person.

Practice often used with Broca’s Aphasia

Tap an exercise to try it. Each one starts on Level 1 and has a Hint button.