Development of Boston Naming Test in Telugu: Performance of typical individuals and individuals with aphasia

Abstract

The Boston Naming test (BNT) (Kaplan, Goodglass, & Weintraub, 1983) is extensively used in the assessment of naming deficits in both typical and disordered population. This test has been adapted and translated into many languages and cultures across the world. The assessment of language deficits in individuals with acquired neurogenic language disorders has been very difficult due to lack of linguistically and culturally sensitive test batteries in Indian context. The present study aimed at adapting the BNT into Telugu language, widely spoken by 75 million people in southern part of India. A total of 20 items from the original 60 items on the test were retained based on ratings of speech language pathologists (SLP) and linguists and another 37 linguistically and culturally appropriate were added to make a total of 57 item test. Normative data were collected on a total of 100 typical individuals in the age ranges of 20–40 years, 40–60 years and 60+ years. A small group of individuals with aphasia (n=20) were also included to study the naming deficits in them. Initial normative data was measured across three age groups and 20 individuals with aphasia. Although results indicated a significant difference across age groups, age related decline in naming abilities was not found in the present study. The factors such as education and bilingualism and their effects on naming are discussed. This test could be a good tool to assess naming deficits in Telugu speaking individuals with language and cognitive deficits.