Circumlocution
Pronunciation: sir-kum-loh-KYOO-shun
A communication strategy where patients use multiple words or phrases to express an idea they cannot directly name, often seen in aphasia rehabilitation.
Full Definition
Circumlocution is a compensatory communication behavior where individuals describe the function, appearance, or associated concepts of a target word they cannot retrieve, rather than naming it directly. This strategy is commonly observed in patients with aphasia, particularly anomic aphasia, and represents an adaptive response to word-finding difficulties. In speech-language pathology, circumlocution can be both a diagnostic indicator and a therapeutic tool, helping maintain communication flow while working toward improved word retrieval.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from paraphasia, which involves word substitution errors rather than descriptive strategies.
In Context
- "The patient used circumlocution, describing 'the thing you write with' instead of saying 'pen'." — Speech therapy assessment
- "Circumlocution strategies were taught to help the patient maintain conversational flow during word-finding difficulties." — Treatment plan documentation