phonological buffer
Pronunciation: foh-noh-LOJ-i-kal BUF-er
Temporary storage system for speech sounds during language processing and production.
Full Definition
A theoretical component of working memory that temporarily holds phonological information during language comprehension and production tasks. In cognitive neurology, the phonological buffer concept helps explain certain patterns of language breakdown, particularly in conduction aphasia where repetition is severely impaired despite relatively intact comprehension and fluent speech production. The buffer is thought to bridge input phonological processing and output speech planning, allowing for the temporary storage and manipulation of speech sounds. Damage to this system results in characteristic symptoms including poor repetition of nonsense words and length effects where longer utterances are more difficult to repeat than shorter ones.
Usage
Usage note: Theoretical construct; distinguish from phonological loop in working memory models.
In Context
- "Conduction aphasia likely results from phonological buffer damage affecting repetition abilities." — Language disorder analysis
- "The phonological buffer deficit explained why the patient could repeat single words but not sentences." — Speech-language pathology evaluation