1. The automatic repetition of words or phrases spoken by another person, often without understanding their meaning.
Usage: Medical/psychological term; Commonly observed in autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and certain neurological conditions

Examples

• The child with autism exhibited echolalia, repeating the teacher's questions instead of answering them.
• Echolalia is sometimes a symptom of neurological disorders affecting language processing.
• The patient's echolalia made it difficult for doctors to assess his actual comprehension.
• Some individuals with echolalia repeat phrases they hear on television or in conversations.
• Speech therapists work with clients who experience echolalia to develop more independent communication skills.