2. A Dichotomy of Speech Fluency in Broca’s and Wernicke’s Aphasia
The second crucial fact is the stark difference in speech fluency between Broca’s and Wernicke’s Aphasia. As noted before, Broca’s Aphasia is also referred to as non-fluent aphasia due to the affected individual’s struggle with speech production. Despite understanding language and knowing what they want to say, people with this condition often find it challenging to convey their thoughts verbally.
This reduced fluency manifests itself through disjointed speech and excessive pausing. Sentences may be short, lacking connecting words such as ‘is’, ‘and’, ‘the’. This condition also often sees individuals struggling with complex grammar, which further hinders the smooth flow of their speech.
Wernicke’s Aphasia stands as a stark contrast to Broca’s, characterized by what is known as fluent aphasia. Individuals with this condition can form sentences with ease, maintaining the rhythm and flow of speech without excessive pausing. However, despite their fluency, their speech can be difficult to understand as it often lacks meaningful content.
For instance, a person with Wernicke’s Aphasia may construct a sentence with correct grammar and syntax but filled with jargon, invented words, or irrelevant words. This results in sentences that are fluent but nonsensical or irrelevant to the conversation context.
Understanding this dichotomy between speech fluency in Broca’s and Wernicke’s Aphasia allows us to appreciate the differing struggles of those living with these conditions. (2)
