Life’s a bonding experience
A framework for the communication of a non-verbal intellectually disabled teenager
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1558/jircd.v4i2.249Keywords:
Communication impairment, Nonverbal communication, systemic functional linguisticsAbstract
This paper presents a framework for the description of the semiotic world of a male adolescent (17 years) with a severe intellectual disability who does not use speech as his primary form of communication. The framework is based on selected aspects of systemic functional linguistic theory, including exchange structure analysis and affiliation theory. The framework is based on a proficiency model, showing what a person can do, rather than what they can’t do. It presents a new way of describing nonverbal multimodal communication. The research was conducted by a linguist, who happens to be the young man’s mother.
References
Armstrong, E. (1991). The potential of cohesion analysis in the analysis and treatment of aphasic discourse. Clinical Linguistics and Phonetics 5 (1): 39–51. http://dx.doi.org/ 10.3109/02699209108985501
Armstrong, E. (1992). Clause complex relations in aphasic discourse: A longitudinal case study. Journal of Neurolinguistics 7 (4): 261–275. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0911- 6044(92)90018-R
Armstrong, E. (1993). Aphasia rehabilitation: A sociolinguistic perspective. In M. M. Forbes (ed.) Aphasia Treatment: World Perspectives, 263–290. San Diego, CA: Singular.
Armstrong, E. (2001). Connecting lexical patterns of verb usage with discourse meanings in aphasia. Aphasiology 15 (10/11): 1029–1045. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0268704 0143000375
Armstrong, E. (2005). Language disorder: A functional linguistic perspective. Clinical Linguistics and Phonetics 19 (3): 137–153. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02699200410001698599
Bedrosian, J. L. (1997). Language acquisition in young AAC system users: Issues and directions for future research. AAC Augmentative and Alternative Communication 13: 179–185. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07434619712331277998
Benson, J. D., Debashish, M., Greaves, W. S., Lukas, J., Savage-Rumbaugh, S. and Taglialatela, J. (2005c). The multistratal dimension: A methodology for phonemic analysis of vocalizations of language competent bonobos. In J. D. Benson and W. S. Greaves (eds) Functional Dimensions of Ape-human Discourse. London and Oakville: Equinox.
Benson, J. D., Fries, P., Greaves, W. S., Iwamoto, K., Savage-Rumbaugh, S. and Taglialatela, J. (2002). Confrontation and support in bonobo-human discourse. Functions of Language 9 (1): 1–38. http://dx.doi.org/10.1075/fol.9.1.02ben
Benson, J. D., Greaves, W. S., O’Donnell, M. and Taglialatela, J. (2005a). The ideational dimension: Evidence for symbolic language processing in a bonobo (Pan paniscus). In J. D. Benson and W. S. Greaves (eds) Functional Dimensions of Ape-human Discourse. London and Oakville: Equinox.
Benson, J. D., Greaves, W. S., Savage-Rumbaugh, S. Taglialatela, J. and Thibault, P. (2005b). The evolutionary dimension: the thin end of the wedge – grammar and discourse in the evolution of language. In J. D. Benson and W. S. Greaves (eds) Functional Dimensions of Ape-human Discourse. London and Oakville: Equinox.
Bernstein, B. (1999). Vertical and horizontal discourse: An essay. British Journal of Sociology of Education 20 (2): 157–173. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01425699995380
Cleirigh, C. (in preparation). The life of meaning. Draft manuscript. Department of Ageing Disability and Homecare DADHC (2009). Exploring and Implementing Person Centred Approaches. Sydney, NSW: Australian Catholic University.
Derewianka, B. (1995). Language development in the transition from childhood to adolescence: The role of grammatical metaphor. Department of English and Linguistics. Macquarie University, Sydney. PhD.
Dreyfus, S. (2011). Grappling with a non-speech language: Describing and theorising the nonverbal multimodal communication of a child with an intellectual disability. In S. Dreyfus, S. Hood and M. Stenglin (eds) Semiotic Margins: Meaning in Multimodalities, 31–52. London: Continuum.
Dreyfus, S. (2008). A systemic functional approach to misunderstandings. Bridging Discourses’ Online Proceedings of the Australian Systemic Functional Linguistics Association conference, July 2007, University of Wollongong.
Dreyfus, S. (2007). When there is no speech: a case study of the nonverbal multimodal communication of a child with an intellectual disability. Unpublished PhD. University of Wollongong.
Durand, V. M. and D. Berotti (1991). Treating behavior problems with communication. ASHA, 33: 37–39.
Ferguson, A. (1992a). Interpersonal aspects of aphasic communication. Journal of Neurolinguistics 7 (4): 277–294. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0911-6044(92)90019-S
Ferguson, A. (1992b). Conversational repair of word-finding difficulty. In M. L. Lemme (ed.) Clinical Aphasiology, 299–310. Austin TX: Pro-Ed.
Ferguson, A. (1994). The influence of aphasia, familiarity and activity on conversational repair. Aphasiology 8 (2): 143–157. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02687039408248647
Ferguson, A. (1998a). Analysis of learning interactions. Speech Pathology Australia National Conference, Fremantle.
Ferguson, A. (1998b). Analysis of interactions in aphasia assessment and treatment sessions. Aphasiology Symposium of Australia.
Gerber, S. and A. Kraat (1992). Use of a developmental model of language acquisition: Applications to children using AAC systems. AAC Augmentative and Alternative Communication 8: 19–32. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07434619212331276013
Halliday, M. A. K. (1975). Learning How to Mean. London: Arnold.
Halliday, M. A. K. (1993). Towards a language-based theory of learning. Linguistics and Education 5: 93–116. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0898-5898(93)90026-7
Harris, D. (1982). Communicative interaction processes involving nonvocal physically handicapped children. Topics in Language Disorders 2 (2): 21–37. http://dx.doi.org/10. 1097/00011363-198203000-00005
Kendon, A. (2004). Gesture: Visible Action as Utterance. Cambridge and New York: Cambridge University Press.
Macken-Horarik, M. (1996). Construing the invisible: Specialized literacy practices in junior secondary English. Department of Semiotics. Sydney, University of Sydney. PhD.
Malinowski, B. (2004). Magic, Science and Religion and Other Essays. Lavergne, TN: Kessinger. Original edition, 1948.
Martin, J. R. (1992). English Text: System and Structure. Amsterdam: John Benjamins.
Martin, J. R. (2010). Introduction: Semantic variation'. In M. Bednarek and J. R. Martin (eds), New Discourse on Language: Functional Perspectives on Multimodality, Identity, and Affiliation, 1–34. London and New York: Continuum.
Martin, J. R. (2011). Metalinguistic divergence: Centrifugal dimensionality in SFL. Beijing Annual Review of Functional Linguistics 3: 8–32.
Martin, J. R. and Stenglin, M. (2007). Materialising reconciliation: negotiating difference in a post-colonial exhibition. In T. Royce and W. Bowcher (eds) New Directions in the Analysis of Multimodal Discourse, 215–238. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Matthiessen, C. M. I. M. (2007). The 'architecture' of language according to systemic functional theory: Developments since the 1970s. In R. Hasan, C. M. I. M. Matthiessen and J. Webster (eds) Continuing Discourse on Language, 2, 505–56. London: Equinox.
Mirenda, P. (1997). Supporting individuals with challenging behavior through functional communication training and AAC: Research review. AAC Augmentative and Alternative Communication 13: 207–225. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07434619712331278048
Mortensen, L. (1992). A Transitivity analysis of discourse in dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Journal of Neurolinguistics 7 (4): 309–321. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0911- 6044(92)90021-N
Mortensen, L. (2005). Written discourse and acquired brain impairment: Evaluation of structural and semantic features of personal letters from a Systemic Functional perspective. Clinical Linguistics and Phonetics 19 (3): 227–247. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02699200410001698652
Painter, C. (2004). The ‘interpersonal first’ principle in child language development. In G. Williams and A. Lukin (eds) Language Development: Functional Perspectives on Evolution and Ontogenesis, 133–153. London and New York: Continuum.
Painter, C. (2003). Developing attitude: an onotogenetic perspective on APPRAISAL. Text 23 (2): 183–210. http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/text.2003.008
Painter, C. (1984). Into the Mother Tongue: A Case Study in Early Language Development. London: Frances Pinter.
Simpson, A. M. (1997). ‘It's my turn’: Critical discourse analysis and the emergence of gendered subjectivity through children's games. Humanities and Social Sciences. University of Western Sydney, Sydney. PhD.
Sinclair, J. M. and Coulthard, R. M. (1975). Towards an Analysis of Discourse: The English Used by Teachers and Pupils. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Stenglin, M. (2009). Space Odyssey: Towards a social semiotic model of 3D space. Visual Communication, 8 (1): 35–64. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1470357208099147
Stern, D., Hofer, L., Haft, W. and Dore, J. (1985). Affect attunement: The sharing of feeling states between mother and infant by means of inter-modal fluency. In T. M. Field and N. A. Fox (eds) Social Perception in Infants, 249–268. Norwood, NJ: Ablex.
Thibault, P. (2004). Brain, Mind, and the Signifying Body: An Ecosocial Semiotic Theory. London, Continuum.
Torr, J. (1997). From Child Tongue to Mother Tongue: A Case Study of Language Development in the First Two and a Half Years. Nottingham: University of Nottingham.
Trevarthen, C. (1992). An infant's motives for speaking and thinking in the culture. In A. H. Wood (ed.) The Dialogic Alternative: Towards a Theory of Language and Mind, 99–137. Oslo: Scandanavian University Press.
Togher, L. (1998). Interpersonal communication skills in the traumatic brain injury population: An analysis across situations. School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences. University of Sydney, Sydney. PhD
Togher, L. (2000). Giving information: The importance of context on communicative opportunity for people with traumatic brain injury. Aphasiology 14 (4): 365–390. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/026870300401414
Togher, L. (2001). Discourse sampling in the 21st century. Journal of Communication Disorders 34 (1-2): 131–150. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0021-9924(00)00045-9
Togher, L., Hand, L. and Code, C. (1997a). Analyzing discourse in the traumatic brain injury population: Telephone interactions with different communication partners. Brain Injury 11 (3): 169–189. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/026990597123629
Togher, L., Hand, L. and Code, C. (1997b). Measuring service encounters in the traumatic brain injury population. Aphasiology 11 (4/5): .491–504.
Togher, L., Hand, L. and Code, C. (1999a). Exchanges of information in the talk of people with traumatic brain injury. In S. McDonald, L. Togher and C. Code (eds) Communication Disorders Following Traumatic Brain Injury, 113–146. Sussex: Psychology Press Ltd.
Torr, J. (1997). From Child Tongue to Mother Tongue: A Case Study of Language Development in the First Two and a Half Years. Nottingham: University of Nottingham.
Trevarthen, C. (1993). The functions of emotions in early infant communication and development. In J. Nadel and L. Camaioni (eds) New Perspectives in Early Communicative Development,48–81. London: Routledge.
Ventola, E. (1987). The Structure of Social Interaction: A Systemic Approach to the Semiotics of Service Encounters. London: Frances Pinter.
Zappavigna, M. (2011). Ambient affiliation: A linguistic perspective on Twitter. New Media & Society 13 (5): 788–806. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1461444810385097
Zappavigna, M. (forthcoming) Coffee tweets: Bonding around the bean on Twitter. In P. Seargeant and C. Tagg (eds.) The Language of Social Media: Communication and Community on the Internet. London: Palgrave.
Armstrong, E. (1992). Clause complex relations in aphasic discourse: A longitudinal case study. Journal of Neurolinguistics 7 (4): 261–275. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0911- 6044(92)90018-R
Armstrong, E. (1993). Aphasia rehabilitation: A sociolinguistic perspective. In M. M. Forbes (ed.) Aphasia Treatment: World Perspectives, 263–290. San Diego, CA: Singular.
Armstrong, E. (2001). Connecting lexical patterns of verb usage with discourse meanings in aphasia. Aphasiology 15 (10/11): 1029–1045. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0268704 0143000375
Armstrong, E. (2005). Language disorder: A functional linguistic perspective. Clinical Linguistics and Phonetics 19 (3): 137–153. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02699200410001698599
Bedrosian, J. L. (1997). Language acquisition in young AAC system users: Issues and directions for future research. AAC Augmentative and Alternative Communication 13: 179–185. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07434619712331277998
Benson, J. D., Debashish, M., Greaves, W. S., Lukas, J., Savage-Rumbaugh, S. and Taglialatela, J. (2005c). The multistratal dimension: A methodology for phonemic analysis of vocalizations of language competent bonobos. In J. D. Benson and W. S. Greaves (eds) Functional Dimensions of Ape-human Discourse. London and Oakville: Equinox.
Benson, J. D., Fries, P., Greaves, W. S., Iwamoto, K., Savage-Rumbaugh, S. and Taglialatela, J. (2002). Confrontation and support in bonobo-human discourse. Functions of Language 9 (1): 1–38. http://dx.doi.org/10.1075/fol.9.1.02ben
Benson, J. D., Greaves, W. S., O’Donnell, M. and Taglialatela, J. (2005a). The ideational dimension: Evidence for symbolic language processing in a bonobo (Pan paniscus). In J. D. Benson and W. S. Greaves (eds) Functional Dimensions of Ape-human Discourse. London and Oakville: Equinox.
Benson, J. D., Greaves, W. S., Savage-Rumbaugh, S. Taglialatela, J. and Thibault, P. (2005b). The evolutionary dimension: the thin end of the wedge – grammar and discourse in the evolution of language. In J. D. Benson and W. S. Greaves (eds) Functional Dimensions of Ape-human Discourse. London and Oakville: Equinox.
Bernstein, B. (1999). Vertical and horizontal discourse: An essay. British Journal of Sociology of Education 20 (2): 157–173. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01425699995380
Cleirigh, C. (in preparation). The life of meaning. Draft manuscript. Department of Ageing Disability and Homecare DADHC (2009). Exploring and Implementing Person Centred Approaches. Sydney, NSW: Australian Catholic University.
Derewianka, B. (1995). Language development in the transition from childhood to adolescence: The role of grammatical metaphor. Department of English and Linguistics. Macquarie University, Sydney. PhD.
Dreyfus, S. (2011). Grappling with a non-speech language: Describing and theorising the nonverbal multimodal communication of a child with an intellectual disability. In S. Dreyfus, S. Hood and M. Stenglin (eds) Semiotic Margins: Meaning in Multimodalities, 31–52. London: Continuum.
Dreyfus, S. (2008). A systemic functional approach to misunderstandings. Bridging Discourses’ Online Proceedings of the Australian Systemic Functional Linguistics Association conference, July 2007, University of Wollongong.
Dreyfus, S. (2007). When there is no speech: a case study of the nonverbal multimodal communication of a child with an intellectual disability. Unpublished PhD. University of Wollongong.
Durand, V. M. and D. Berotti (1991). Treating behavior problems with communication. ASHA, 33: 37–39.
Ferguson, A. (1992a). Interpersonal aspects of aphasic communication. Journal of Neurolinguistics 7 (4): 277–294. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0911-6044(92)90019-S
Ferguson, A. (1992b). Conversational repair of word-finding difficulty. In M. L. Lemme (ed.) Clinical Aphasiology, 299–310. Austin TX: Pro-Ed.
Ferguson, A. (1994). The influence of aphasia, familiarity and activity on conversational repair. Aphasiology 8 (2): 143–157. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02687039408248647
Ferguson, A. (1998a). Analysis of learning interactions. Speech Pathology Australia National Conference, Fremantle.
Ferguson, A. (1998b). Analysis of interactions in aphasia assessment and treatment sessions. Aphasiology Symposium of Australia.
Gerber, S. and A. Kraat (1992). Use of a developmental model of language acquisition: Applications to children using AAC systems. AAC Augmentative and Alternative Communication 8: 19–32. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07434619212331276013
Halliday, M. A. K. (1975). Learning How to Mean. London: Arnold.
Halliday, M. A. K. (1993). Towards a language-based theory of learning. Linguistics and Education 5: 93–116. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0898-5898(93)90026-7
Harris, D. (1982). Communicative interaction processes involving nonvocal physically handicapped children. Topics in Language Disorders 2 (2): 21–37. http://dx.doi.org/10. 1097/00011363-198203000-00005
Kendon, A. (2004). Gesture: Visible Action as Utterance. Cambridge and New York: Cambridge University Press.
Macken-Horarik, M. (1996). Construing the invisible: Specialized literacy practices in junior secondary English. Department of Semiotics. Sydney, University of Sydney. PhD.
Malinowski, B. (2004). Magic, Science and Religion and Other Essays. Lavergne, TN: Kessinger. Original edition, 1948.
Martin, J. R. (1992). English Text: System and Structure. Amsterdam: John Benjamins.
Martin, J. R. (2010). Introduction: Semantic variation'. In M. Bednarek and J. R. Martin (eds), New Discourse on Language: Functional Perspectives on Multimodality, Identity, and Affiliation, 1–34. London and New York: Continuum.
Martin, J. R. (2011). Metalinguistic divergence: Centrifugal dimensionality in SFL. Beijing Annual Review of Functional Linguistics 3: 8–32.
Martin, J. R. and Stenglin, M. (2007). Materialising reconciliation: negotiating difference in a post-colonial exhibition. In T. Royce and W. Bowcher (eds) New Directions in the Analysis of Multimodal Discourse, 215–238. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Matthiessen, C. M. I. M. (2007). The 'architecture' of language according to systemic functional theory: Developments since the 1970s. In R. Hasan, C. M. I. M. Matthiessen and J. Webster (eds) Continuing Discourse on Language, 2, 505–56. London: Equinox.
Mirenda, P. (1997). Supporting individuals with challenging behavior through functional communication training and AAC: Research review. AAC Augmentative and Alternative Communication 13: 207–225. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07434619712331278048
Mortensen, L. (1992). A Transitivity analysis of discourse in dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Journal of Neurolinguistics 7 (4): 309–321. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0911- 6044(92)90021-N
Mortensen, L. (2005). Written discourse and acquired brain impairment: Evaluation of structural and semantic features of personal letters from a Systemic Functional perspective. Clinical Linguistics and Phonetics 19 (3): 227–247. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02699200410001698652
Painter, C. (2004). The ‘interpersonal first’ principle in child language development. In G. Williams and A. Lukin (eds) Language Development: Functional Perspectives on Evolution and Ontogenesis, 133–153. London and New York: Continuum.
Painter, C. (2003). Developing attitude: an onotogenetic perspective on APPRAISAL. Text 23 (2): 183–210. http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/text.2003.008
Painter, C. (1984). Into the Mother Tongue: A Case Study in Early Language Development. London: Frances Pinter.
Simpson, A. M. (1997). ‘It's my turn’: Critical discourse analysis and the emergence of gendered subjectivity through children's games. Humanities and Social Sciences. University of Western Sydney, Sydney. PhD.
Sinclair, J. M. and Coulthard, R. M. (1975). Towards an Analysis of Discourse: The English Used by Teachers and Pupils. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Stenglin, M. (2009). Space Odyssey: Towards a social semiotic model of 3D space. Visual Communication, 8 (1): 35–64. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1470357208099147
Stern, D., Hofer, L., Haft, W. and Dore, J. (1985). Affect attunement: The sharing of feeling states between mother and infant by means of inter-modal fluency. In T. M. Field and N. A. Fox (eds) Social Perception in Infants, 249–268. Norwood, NJ: Ablex.
Thibault, P. (2004). Brain, Mind, and the Signifying Body: An Ecosocial Semiotic Theory. London, Continuum.
Torr, J. (1997). From Child Tongue to Mother Tongue: A Case Study of Language Development in the First Two and a Half Years. Nottingham: University of Nottingham.
Trevarthen, C. (1992). An infant's motives for speaking and thinking in the culture. In A. H. Wood (ed.) The Dialogic Alternative: Towards a Theory of Language and Mind, 99–137. Oslo: Scandanavian University Press.
Togher, L. (1998). Interpersonal communication skills in the traumatic brain injury population: An analysis across situations. School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences. University of Sydney, Sydney. PhD
Togher, L. (2000). Giving information: The importance of context on communicative opportunity for people with traumatic brain injury. Aphasiology 14 (4): 365–390. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/026870300401414
Togher, L. (2001). Discourse sampling in the 21st century. Journal of Communication Disorders 34 (1-2): 131–150. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0021-9924(00)00045-9
Togher, L., Hand, L. and Code, C. (1997a). Analyzing discourse in the traumatic brain injury population: Telephone interactions with different communication partners. Brain Injury 11 (3): 169–189. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/026990597123629
Togher, L., Hand, L. and Code, C. (1997b). Measuring service encounters in the traumatic brain injury population. Aphasiology 11 (4/5): .491–504.
Togher, L., Hand, L. and Code, C. (1999a). Exchanges of information in the talk of people with traumatic brain injury. In S. McDonald, L. Togher and C. Code (eds) Communication Disorders Following Traumatic Brain Injury, 113–146. Sussex: Psychology Press Ltd.
Torr, J. (1997). From Child Tongue to Mother Tongue: A Case Study of Language Development in the First Two and a Half Years. Nottingham: University of Nottingham.
Trevarthen, C. (1993). The functions of emotions in early infant communication and development. In J. Nadel and L. Camaioni (eds) New Perspectives in Early Communicative Development,48–81. London: Routledge.
Ventola, E. (1987). The Structure of Social Interaction: A Systemic Approach to the Semiotics of Service Encounters. London: Frances Pinter.
Zappavigna, M. (2011). Ambient affiliation: A linguistic perspective on Twitter. New Media & Society 13 (5): 788–806. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1461444810385097
Zappavigna, M. (forthcoming) Coffee tweets: Bonding around the bean on Twitter. In P. Seargeant and C. Tagg (eds.) The Language of Social Media: Communication and Community on the Internet. London: Palgrave.
Published
2013-09-17
Issue
Section
Articles
How to Cite
Dreyfus, S. (2013). Life’s a bonding experience: A framework for the communication of a non-verbal intellectually disabled teenager. Journal of Interactional Research in Communication Disorders, 4(2), 249-271. https://doi.org/10.1558/jircd.v4i2.249
