Automated classification of phonological errors in aphasic language

Using heuristically guided state space search, a prototype program has been developed to simulate and classify phonemic errors occurring in the speech of neurologically impaired patients. Simulations are based on an interchangeable rule/operator set of elementary errors which represent a theory of phonemic processing faults. This work is significant because it introduces and evaluates a novel approach to error simulation and classification, provides a prototype simulation tool for neurolinguistic research, and forms the initial phase of a larger research effort involving computer modelling of neurolinguistic processes.