EXTENDING CONVERSATION ANALYSIS TO NONVERBAL-COMMUNICATION

This paper reports on investigation of the application of the principl es of conversation analysis to the non-verbal interaction of an aphasi c speaker who has minimal verbal output but moderately well preserved comprehension. The results show that detailed analysis of interaction can highlight the clients abilities as well as clarifying the strategi es employed by the non-dysphasic communicative partner, which facilita te interaction. The results were used to advise staff who cared for th e client in a residential home on how to achieve positive and successf ul communication.