Backward speech explained

The trait of backward speech is described as an ability to spontaneously and accurately reverse words. Two strategies of word reversal were reported: reversal according to the phonetic structure of the words or reversal according to their spelling.^[1] In the 1980s Nelson Cowan hypothesized that this ability is afforded by an extraordinary working memory.^[2] Recent studies have provided evidence that the working memory is indeed involved in this ability and further suggested that genetic factors may contribute to this trait.^[1]

Some cases

• Patients of Nelson Cowan.^[2]
• Italian-speaking patient that gained the ability to speak backwards after neurosurgery.^[3]
• A patient that could talk backward after a head injury which resulted in conversion disorder.^[4]
• Serbian family with the ability to speak backwards voluntarily.^[1]

Notes and References

1. Prekovic S, Đurđević DF, Csifcsák G, Šveljo O, Stojković O, Janković M, Koprivšek K, Covill LE, Lučić M, Van den Broeck T, Helsen C, Ceroni F, Claessens F, Newbury DF . Multidisciplinary investigation links backward-speech trait and working memory through genetic mutation . Scientific Reports . 6 . February 2016 . 26838027 . 4738289 . 10.1038/srep20369 . 20369. 2016NatSR...620369P .
2. Cowan N, Braine M, Leavitt L . The phonological and metaphonological representation of speech: Evidence from fluent backward talkers . Journal of Memory and Language . 24 . 6 . December 1985 . 10.1016/0749-596x(85)90053-1 . 679–698.
3. Cocchi R, Pola M, Sellerini M, Tosaca P, Zerbi F . Mirror speaking after neurosurgery. A case history . Acta Neurol. Belg. . August–October 1986 . 3766111 . 86 . 224–32.
4. Jokel R, and Conn D . Case Study: Mirror reading, writing and backward speech in a woman with a head injury: a case of conversion disorder . Aphasiology . 13 . 6 . 1999 . 10.1080/026870399402046 . 495–509.