An appraisal of language comprehension deficits in Igbo speakers with aphasia in Enugu
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Language comprehension deficits in individuals with aphasia significantly impair communication, particularly among Igbo speakers in Enugu. Aphasia—a neurological disorder resulting from brain injury or stroke—disrupts the ability to understand and process language. In Enugu, where Igbo is the primary language, cultural and linguistic nuances further complicate rehabilitation. Recent studies have shown that neural pathways associated with language comprehension are severely affected in aphasic patients, leading to difficulties in decoding both literal and contextual meanings (Okafor, 2023). Moreover, traditional Igbo expressions and tonal variations pose challenges for standard diagnostic tools that are often developed in Western contexts. Advances in neuroimaging and culturally adapted assessment methods have begun to shed light on these deficits; however, there remains a significant gap in effectively tailoring rehabilitation protocols to the Igbo language (Nwachukwu, 2024; Eze, 2025). This study appraises the nature and extent of language comprehension deficits among Igbo speakers with aphasia by integrating clinical observations with culturally sensitive linguistic evaluations. The ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between universal aphasia models and the specific linguistic realities of Igbo, thereby improving both diagnosis and therapeutic interventions.
Statement of the Problem
Despite progress in aphasia research, there is limited focus on Igbo speakers in Enugu. Many assessment tools are based on Western linguistic norms and do not capture the unique tonal and syntactic features of Igbo, leading to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis of comprehension deficits. The lack of culturally tailored assessments and rehabilitation strategies hinders effective treatment, as patients do not receive interventions that fully consider their linguistic environment. Consequently, the recovery process remains suboptimal, affecting communication and quality of life. There is an urgent need to evaluate and adapt existing diagnostic tools to accurately reflect the linguistic nuances of Igbo, ensuring that rehabilitation strategies are both clinically effective and culturally appropriate (Okafor, 2023; Nwachukwu, 2024).
Objectives of the Study:
1. To assess the extent of language comprehension deficits in Igbo-speaking aphasic patients.
2. To identify Igbo-specific linguistic challenges affecting comprehension.
3. To develop culturally sensitive diagnostic and rehabilitation strategies.
Research Questions:
1. What are the primary language comprehension deficits in Igbo speakers with aphasia?
2. How do cultural and linguistic nuances influence these deficits?
3. What modifications can improve existing assessment tools for Igbo speakers?
Significance of the Study :
This study is significant as it addresses the gap in understanding language comprehension deficits in Igbo speakers with aphasia. By developing culturally sensitive assessment tools and rehabilitation strategies, it aims to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life. The findings will benefit clinicians, researchers, and policymakers by providing evidence-based recommendations that respect the linguistic and cultural context of Enugu (Okafor, 2023; Eze, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
This study is limited to assessing language comprehension deficits in Igbo speakers with aphasia in Enugu using culturally adapted clinical and linguistic assessments.
Definitions of Terms:
• Aphasia: A language disorder caused by brain injury affecting comprehension and production.
• Language Comprehension: The ability to understand spoken or written language.
• Cultural Sensitivity: The incorporation of cultural context in assessments and interventions.
