Affective displays in aphasia therapy dialogues
| Panel: | P71 - Affect and Emotion in Interaction, Part 2: Institutional Encounters |
| Author: | Laakso, Minna |
| Abstract: | |
| This paper analyzes multi-modal affective expressions during aphasic word searching. Difficulties to find words are the most common and persistent features of aphasia. In conversation, this difficulty results in pausing and searching for continuation to the speaking turn. In ordinary conversation, word searches are regularly interpreted to allow collaborative completion (e.g. Lerner 1996). In aphasia therapy, the therapeutic agenda to improve the speech of the aphasic client restricts the use of collaborative completions (e.g. Laakso 2003), resulting in client’s prolonged attempts at word searching. Lengthy searches can be frustrating for the patient and can involve displays of affect. The data are 12 speech therapy interactions videotaped at the clinic. The interactions were transcribed using CA notation. On the basis of the transcript and the videotape, occasions of word searching were indentified and analyzed sequentially for the use of vocal and facial expression, gaze direction and gesturing as displays of affect. Most often word searches were indicated by stretching the production of a word, producing a hesitant vocalization (such as ’uh’) and pausing. During the pause, the aphasic speakers regularly shifted their gaze and orientation to the therapist as if requesting for help in the search. In therapy, mere gazing at the recipient did not evoke collaborative completions (whereas in home context it regularly does). Instead, searching was continued with affective displays indicating trouble in speaking. These displays involved lowered voice quality, laughing, sighing, head shakes, hand gesturing and sudden movements in body posture. In the analysis, examples of smaller and more expressive affect displays during word searching will be given, and the sequential outcomes of affective searching analyzed. In sum, affective displays were effective in evoking collaborative responses from the therapist. |
|
