Summary The verbal expression of five adult aphasic subjects was compared in unstructured (spontaneous speech) and structured interactions (a picture description task) at specified intervals over the period of one year. Transcribed tape recordings were analysed to describe the subjects' syntactic system in each language sample. The possible influence of the therapists' speech contribution upon both interactions was assessed. A measurable and longitudinal difference was found between the subjects' performance in the two interactions. Subjects produced the largest proportion of discrete grammatically analysable utterances in the picture description task. A further comparison of the language samples was then made. The data was examined, for example, at the levels of the clause and phrase structures used. This indicated that the subjects tended to produce a similar range and form of grammatical structures in either task. Some practical suggestions arising from these points are discussed. The presence of the picture stimulus, rather than any alteration in the therapists' language, seems to be the most important factor in determining subjects' performance in the structured interaction. However in the unstructured situation, evidence was found of the speech therapist modifying her input in order to try to compensate for subjects' transient difficulties in formulating adult sentences. This is described with examples, together with suggestions for application to therapeutic work.
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