Letter: Accent syndrome

Wednesday 15 October 1997 23:02 BST

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sir: Foreign accent syndrome (Seen and Heard, 13 October) is one of the most puzzling communication disorders which may follow a stroke. You say there are only 12 documented cases; there are many more. Our helpline has received several inquiries.

The disorder is not a true "foreign accent" but results from changes to intonation and vowel quality. It is never identical with the accent concerned, but mimics features of it.

Foreign accent syndrome may be one of the milder disorders of communication which can result from damage to the cerebral cortex. At the other end of the spectrum is total loss of language (aphasia) in which the person is unable to understand language, speak, read, write or gesture.

CHARLOTTE PAINTER

Action for Dysphasic Adults

London SE1

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Letter: Accent syndrome

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering