Pragmatic impairment in stroke and traumatic brain injury: Theoretical implications and empirical evaluation of a novel linguistic test

• Applicants: Professorin Annette Baumgärtner, Ph.D.; Dr. Julia Büttner-Kunert
• Subject Area: Applied Linguistics, Computational Linguistics
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 557961674

Human communication is thought to rely on a multitude of linguistic and cognitive factors. Brain damage can disrupt these networks, potentially resulting in communicative impairments that reduce everyday functioning and quality of life of those affected. These deficits include so-called Cognitive Communication Disorders (CCDs) which are investigated within the field of Neuropragmatics. Despite their high prevalence, CCDs are generally under-researched and have received little attention among German-speaking health professionals in clinical settings, where diagnostic instruments for the assessment of CCDs are scarce. This 3-year project proposal aims to contribute to the insufficiently studied area of pragmatic impairments by a multicenter behavioral study with patients with neurological disorders. The study proposal intends to refine pragmatic models while considering cognitive functions of the executive system as well as social cognition. The project pursues (1) the German translation and adaptation of the Test for the Assessment of Pragmatic Abilities and Cognitive Substrates (APACS; Arcara & Bambini, 2016); (2) the collection of normative data for the APACS; (3) a clinical evaluation of the APACS in participants with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) or unilateral stroke (ULS), and the examination of specific differences between patient groups; (4) the examination of the contribution of executive functions and social-cognitive abilities to potential pragmatic impairments as well as (5) the evaluation of the impact of CCDs on quality of life and participation. The project will be carried out in three phases: months 1-3 will involve a pilot evaluation of the Beta version of the APACS test and the preparation for the behavioral testing phase; months 4-28 will involve the recruitment of participants to collect behavioral data; and months 25-36 will be dedicated to data analysis and publication of results. The applicants will coordinate, initiate and supervise the project phases, with two research assistants working at different locations (Munich, Hamburg) and with different research foci (TBI or stroke). By way of their research cooperation and collaboration with clinical facilities the applicants provide a unique combination of resources and clinical expertise. This way, the project will not only enhance the understanding of the interplay between linguistic and cognitive factors in normal language use, but also provide a valid diagnostic tool rooted in neuropragmatic theory (the German version of the APACS). This will enable the initiation of appropriate rehabilitation measures for a significant number of potentially affected individuals. Ultimately, the project will allow the derivation of evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and therapy of pragmatic disorders in TBI and stroke.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Italy
• Cooperation Partner: Professorin Dr. Valentina Bambini