Using Systemic Functional Linguistics to improve conversational abilities in people with neurogenic communication disorders: A case study

Background: Systemic functional linguistics (SFL) is a data driven theory of how we use language to achieve specific purposes during language activities like conversation (Halliday and Matthiessen, 2004). SFL analysis allows us to understand who exercises control over the topics that are introduced and who plays a more passive role in conversations (Eggins and Slade, 2004). Although a number of researchers have used this framework to analyze how people with neurogenic communication disorders interact (e.g. Hersh et al. 2018), there has been limited application in clinical settings.

Purpose: The USeFuL Project (Using Systemic Functional Linguistics to Understand Neurogenic Communication Disorders Project) was founded to build on previous clinically-oriented SFL-informed work. We aim to develop highly implementable, SFL-based approaches to assessment, goal setting and intervention.

Method: We present a ‘worked’ example, based on conversation data generated by a couple in which the husband, Ben, has aphasia. His wife, Margo, reported that Ben did not ‘initiate’ enough during conversation and that she felt interactions with him were one-sided.

Results: SFL provided tools that enabled us to understand this dyad’s patterns of interaction. Our analysis of threes transcript of the couple’s conversations provided empirical evidence that Margo made most of the conversational moves which introduced new ideas into the conversation. Ben tended to be a much more passive participant, making moves that were related to Margo’s speaking turns.

Discussion/conclusion: We used the above results and precepts drawn from SFL to develop potential goals and a treatment plan to help the couple improve the quality of their conversations. Future work by the USeFuL Project will focus on leveraging technologies such as speech-to-text processing and computer assisted coding of transcripts. We aim to develop clinically accessible and feasible SFL-informed approaches that practitioners can employ with clients and families living with neurogenic communication disorders.