When the process of symbol retrieval for language fails, we may find that rote phrases & songs from the right (non language) hemisphere take their place.
Hence, swear words and familiar expressions like "I know," or "I wanna," may involuntarily be spoken.
The person, who is propositionally speechless, may nevertheless, be able to count to ten, and/or sing old songs.
Aphasia is not synonymous with mental retardation. I know an aphasic who can dismantle and reassemble a TV set, which I can't do.
But he can't utter a single sentence. For children, in particular, aphasia is a significant learning disability.
These children may be mistaken for being retarded and treated accordingly. This can create a self fulfilling prophecy.
Continuing now with the discussion of the Langauge Bridge, the thoughts and their symbols in our consciousness exist in the form of spatial and temporal patterns of electro-chemical energy.
NOTES: An Example of Speech from the Right Cerebral Hemisphere in an Aphasic Speaker