Publisher's Synopsis
In what way can the study of (deviant) language behaviour contribute to a better understanding of both deviant and normal behaviour? is one of the numerous questions treated in this collection of essays studying neurotic and schizophrenic language behaviour. The approach adopted here is interdisciplinary in the true sense: socio- and psycholinguists, (social) psychologists, sociologists and psychiatrists have not only joined forces but have studied at least more than one discipline. As a result new approaches for the study of deviant language behaviour are offered. Although most contributors favour the view that human development is to a great extent influenced by communicative experience physiological aspects are not neglected either. The combination of interdisciplinary methodologies and a number of open approaches towards both the neurotic and schizophrenic syndromes provide new insights into the origins and therapies of certain forms of deviant language behaviour.
