Receptive aphasia typically affects which ability?

Receptive aphasia is primarily characterized by difficulties in understanding spoken language. Individuals with this condition can hear words and may even be able to speak fluently, but they struggle to comprehend what is being said to them. This type of aphasia often results from damage to the language comprehension areas of the brain, particularly in the left hemisphere. Because of this impaired ability to process language, individuals may find it challenging to follow conversations or understand complex sentences. It highlights the significance of comprehension in communication and how specific brain injuries can impact this crucial aspect of language use.

The other options relate to different functions: producing speech is typically affected in expressive aphasia, controlling emotions can be influenced by brain injury but is not specific to receptive aphasia, and swallowing food and liquids involves different muscular and neurological controls that do not directly correlate with language comprehension.