9. Misnaming Objects – A Confusing Quirk of Expressive Aphasia
Misnaming objects is another perplexing symptom of Expressive Aphasia that adds to the complexity of communication. This symptom, also known as semantic paraphasia, occurs when individuals use the wrong name for objects, either by replacing it with an incorrect word or by using a general term instead of a specific one. This is not due to a lack of understanding but rather an inability to retrieve the correct word from their mental vocabulary.
In practical terms, a person with this symptom might refer to a “dog” as a “cat,” or might call a “spoon” a “thing,” as they struggle to find the correct term. They understand what the object is and what it’s used for, but the word they need seems to be frustratingly out of reach. This symptom can also extend to people’s names, adding an extra layer of complexity to social interactions.
Imagine a dinner scenario where a person with Expressive Aphasia wants to ask for the salt. They might say, “Please pass the sugar,” causing confusion. Or, they might say, “Please pass that,” while pointing at the salt shaker. These errors can lead to miscommunication and might cause the person with aphasia to feel frustrated or embarrassed. (9)
