Our Research
Clustering Aphasic Speech: A Comparative Study of Feature Extraction Techniques for Fluent and Non-Fluent Categories
This study examined unsupervised machine learning methods for classifying aphasic speech using multiple acoustic feature extraction techniques. A convolutional autoencoder achieved the best performance in distinguishing aphasia types. The findings support automated aphasia assessment tools and highlight the potential for developing efficient, objective Arabic speech and language assessment systems for clinical use.
Read full paperArabic Aphasia Research Through a Clinical and Linguistic Lens: A Systematic Review of Current Limitations and Future Directions
This systematic review examined Arabic aphasia research and evaluated available clinical assessment resources. Reviewing 48 studies, the authors found limited development of culturally specific assessment tools, therapy protocols, and intervention research. The findings highlight major gaps in Arabic language assessment and emphasize the need for comprehensive, linguistically appropriate clinical materials.
Read full paperGulf Arabic Noun and Verb Retrieval: What Matters?
This study investigated how Gulf Arabic speakers process nouns and verbs using a picture naming task. Results showed verbs required longer retrieval times because of greater morphological complexity, while phonological patterns also affected naming speed. These findings improve understanding of Arabic lexical processing and support development of linguistically informed speech assessment tools.
Read full paperDouble dissociation of object and action naming: evidence from Gulf Arabic aphasia
This study examined noun and verb naming abilities in Gulf Arabic speakers with aphasia using object and action naming tasks. Researchers identified a double dissociation, where some patients showed selective noun or verb impairments. The findings support language specific patterns in Arabic aphasia and contribute to more accurate grammatical assessment and diagnosis tools.
Read full paperA linguistically-driven response categorisation protocol for Arabic nouns and verbs: clinical and research applications
This study developed a linguistically based protocol for categorizing language production errors in Arabic speakers with aphasia. The framework incorporated Arabic specific grammatical and morphological features, including agreement and inflection patterns. Its findings provide a standardized approach for analyzing aphasic responses, improving consistency, accuracy, and cultural relevance in Arabic speech and language assessment.
Read full paperImageability, familiarity, and age of acquisition ratings for Arabic abstract nouns, abstract verbs and adjectives
This study created the first Arabic normative database for abstract nouns, verbs, and adjectives using ratings from healthy speakers. Researchers established measures including imageability, familiarity, age of acquisition, and frequency. The database provides an important resource for studying abstract language processing and supports development of more comprehensive Arabic speech assessment materials.
Read full paperGulf Arabic nouns and verbs: A standardized set of 319 object pictures and 141 action pictures, with predictors of naming latencies
This study developed the first standardised picture database for Gulf Arabic object and action naming tasks using healthy speakers from Qatar. Researchers identified image agreement, name agreement, familiarity, age of acquisition and imageability as key predictors of naming speed. The database supports relevant assessment and research for Arabic speech disorders.
Read full paperLexical retrieval after Arabic aphasia: Syntactic access and predictors of spoken naming
This study examined anomia in Arabic speakers after stroke, focusing on whether syntactic cueing using the definite article improves noun retrieval. It found that adding the determiner enhanced naming speed and accuracy, likely by providing a syntactic frame. Age of acquisition and imageability were key predictors, informing Arabic aphasia assessment and therapy.
Read full paperAn aphasia battery for Qatari/Gulf Arabic
This project aimed to develop a comprehensive aphasia assessment for Gulf Arabic speakers using linguistically appropriate, culture specific materials rather than English based translations. It combined normative databases, psycholinguistic variables and test construction across multiple phases. The resulting battery improves diagnostic accuracy and provides a standardised, Arabic sensitive tool for clinical evaluation.
Read full paperMorpho-syntactic processing of Arabic plurals after aphasia: dissecting lexical meaning from morpho-syntax within word boundaries
This study investigated how Arabic speakers with agrammatic aphasia process regular (sound) and irregular (broken) plural forms. It found distinct error patterns, with different impairments in morpho-syntactic processing of vocalic patterns while lexical roots remained relatively intact. These results support separate processing mechanisms and improve understanding of Arabic morpho-syntactic assessment.
Read full paperA Normative Database and Determinants of Lexical Retrieval for 186 Arabic Nouns: Effects of Psycholinguistic and Morpho-Syntactic Variables on Naming Latency
This study developed a Levantine Arabic noun database with culturally appropriate images and psycholinguistic norms for lexical retrieval research. It examined how linguistic and cognitive variables influence naming performance. Results showed that only imageability and age of acquisition significantly affected retrieval speed, supporting their central role in Arabic speech and language assessment.
Read full paperDeterminer Cuing in Arabic Anomia: The Role of Syntax in Lexical Retrieval
This study investigated whether the Arabic definite article ‘al-’ facilitates noun retrieval in people with aphasia during picture naming tasks. Three participants with stroke anomia completed bare and determiner conditions measuring accuracy and reaction times. Determiner improved naming speed and accuracy, suggesting syntactic framing supports Arabic lexical retrieval in aphasia.
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