Abstract
Aphasia
is a language disorder often resulting from brain injury or stroke, which
significantly impairs communication, comprehension, reading, and writing
abilities. Anchored on Coltheart’s Cognitive Neuropsychological Model, this
study assessed the impact of integrating cognitive linguistics principles into
aphasia rehabilitation programmes at Lafia Comprehensive Special School,
Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the influence of
cognitive-linguistic approaches on learners’ communication skills,
comprehension skills, and the use of Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) in
rehabilitation. A quantitative research design was adopted for the study. The
population comprised eighteen teachers directly involved in aphasia
rehabilitation at the school, and total population sampling was employed. Data
were collected using structured questionnaires with closed-ended items measured
on a five-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics, including frequency
tables and percentages, were used for data analysis. The findings revealed that
most teachers strongly agreed that cognitive-linguistic integration improved
learners’ communication and comprehension skills. The study also found that
Speech and Language Therapy (SLT), Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT), and
individualized instructional approaches contributed significantly to
rehabilitation outcomes. However, the use of Augmentative and Alternative
Communication (AAC) tools appeared inconsistent. The study concludes that
integrating cognitive linguistics principles into aphasia rehabilitation
enhances language recovery, communicative participation, and learning outcomes
among learners with aphasia. The study therefore recommends increased training
for teachers and therapists in cognitive-linguistic intervention strategies,
particularly in multilingual Nigerian educational settings.
Keywords:
Aphasia, aphasia rehabilitation, cognitive linguistics, Speech, Language
Therapy
DOI: 10.36349/alqajolls.2026.v01i02.039
author/Babanmama Hussaini & Abubakar Malami
journal/AL-QALAM JLLS 1(2) | June 2026
