Components of Speech and Language Production

What’s the main function of cognitive-linguistic processes

For thinking and using language to form an idea of what to say

What is an example of cognitive-linguistic processing

Seeing fur and hearing meows → recognizing “cat” → retrieving phonemes /k/, /æ/, /t/.

Is cognitive-linguistic processing part of speech or language

Language

What happens during sensorimotor planning/programming

Your brain converts linguistic code into movement commands for speech

What is an example of sensorimotor planning?

Knowing you want to say “cat” and figuring out how to move your mouth to say it.

Is sensorimotor planning part of speech or language

speech

What happens during neuromuscular execution?

The nervous system activates muscles to move with articulators

What is an example of neuromuscular execution?

Sending movement commands through the nervous system to contract articulator muscles.

Is neuromuscular execution part of speech or language?

Speech

Which component is it when the brain converts linguistic symbols into movement commands?

Sensorimotor planning/programming

Which component is it when the muscles in the articulators contract?

Neuromuscular execution

Which component is it when you’re trying to retrieve phonemes such as /k/, /æ/, /t/?

Cognitive-linguistic processes

Which component is it when sending movement commands through the nervous system?

Neuromuscular execution

Which component is it when wanting talk about something

Cognitive-linguistic processes

What is apraxia of speech?

A disorder where a person knows what to say but cannot move their mouth correctly to say it

What are the common speech characteristics of apraxia?

• Articulatory groping

• Difficulty sequencing sounds

• Awareness of errors, but unable to correct them

• Better automatic than volitional speech

Why is automatic speech often easier for people with apraxia

It’s stored in the brain and doesn’t require conscious programming

What could a client with apraxia of speech do well?

Produce single sounds and automatic speech

What could a client with apraxia of speech struggle with?

Sequencing speech sounds and articulatory control

Which component does aphasia affect?

Cognitive-linguistic processing

Which component does apraxia affect?

Sensorimotor planning and programming

Aphasia or Apraxia? 

“I cannot think of the word I want to say.”

Aphasia

Aphasia or Apraxia? 
“I know what to say, but can’t move my mouth correctly.”

Apraxia

Aphasia is a ________ disorder

Language disorder

Apraxia is a ________ disorder

Speech disorder

What disorder is caused by neuromuscular execution defects?

Dysarthria

What are the symptoms of dysarthria?

• Weakness

• Paralysis

• Slowness

• Incoordination

• Sensory loss in speech muscles

Which speech subsystems can be affected by dysarthria?

• Respiratory

• Phonatory

• Articulatory systems

Why is having a good “clinical ear” important?

To identify types of dysarthria based on speech patterns

What does hypokinetic dysarthria entail?

When a person’s speech is affected by reduced muscle movement

What brain area is affected with a person who has hypokinetic dysarthria?

Basal ganglia

What disease is commonly associated with hypokinetic dysarthria?

Parkinson’s disease

What are the common speech characteristics of hypokinetic dysarthria?

• Reduced articulatory movements

• Quiet voice

• Monotone

• Mumbling

• Rapid speech

What is deep brain stimulation used for?

To reduce parkinson’s disease symptoms like tremors

How does deep brain stimulation affect speech?

It has mixed results, although it can improve with body movement, it may not improve speech