A semantic network dictionary for dysphasia therapy

Abstract

With the use of computer-assisted teaching and learning programs the speech therapy of children with dysphasia can be planned more effectively, than with the traditional, so-called prompted-image method employed by logopaedists. Our aim is the creation of a semantic network dictionary - on the basis of a huge quantity empirical database -, which predicts what other concepts will link to a concept in the STM of 4—7 year old children, i.e. what other concepts can the most easily be associated with an already existing one by the therapeut. Furthermore, the semantic network dictionary will enable the already literate child - on the basis of the idea of András Kocsor - to take a virtual tour through the connected words of the network dictionary by merely saying words into a microphone. Hence the software will help children develop and maintain semantic structures.