Anomia: A problem with word finding. Impaired recalling of words with no impairment of comprehension or the capacity to repeat the words. Also known as anomic aphysia.
Aphasia: One in a group of speech disorders in which there is a defect or loss of the power of expression by speech, writing, or signs, or a defect or loss of the power of comprehension of spoken or written language.
I have recently learned that anomia is common in adults with learning disabilities. It's a fancy word for "I know what I want to say, but my mind is blank." It goes beyond simply forgetting a word here or there. It actually happens to me so often that it literally makes my brain feel like it just ran a marathon (wouldn't THAT be interesting!) It induces paralyzing anxiety for me, and messes with my self-confidence. Sure, it annoys me, but it also makes me worried and fearful.
Anomia stinks. Worse than amonia...
Anomia keeps me up until 1 a.m. the night before my first teaching job interview. Anomia, you own me. But some day I will own YA.
-DTL
