Abstract: A device for assisting communication that comprises a generally rectangular enclosure of a size constructed and adapted to be held in a user's hand. A microphone is positioned within the enclosure for receiving speech acoustics and converting such acoustics into corresponding electrical signals. Information correlating speech with alphanumeric text is prestored in electronic memory positioned within the enclosure, and the speech signals received from the microphone are correlated with corresponding text in memory. A liquid crystal display (LCD) on one wall of the enclosure displays the alphanumeric text to the user substantially in real time.