Bringing conversations to a close: The management of closings in interactions between AAC users and 'natural' speakers.
Year: 1997
Source: Clinical Linguistics and Phonetics 11(6):467-493.
Web of Science ® Times Cited: 4
Abstract: Closings are difficult when people with cerebral palsy who use alternative and argumentative communication (AAC) systems interact with 'natural' speakers. Such interactions were captured on video recordings. Four closings were identified and described. Interviews and field notes reported closing experience. Findings indicated that when a 'natural' speaker initiates the closing there is difficulty in ensuring the AAC user's collaboration. Closing is accomplished by either rushing through it, or seeking concurrence with the proposal to close from the AAC user. When the AAC speaker initiates the closing, it is not always understood by the 'natural' speaker. This is because the AAC speaker attempts closure by a gesture in hopes that closing is understood, or they close with their AAC user, which appears abrupt. Outlined are practical implications for AAC users, 'natural' speakers, speech and language therapists and AAC system manufacturers. (CIRRIE Abstract)
Institution: Department of Psychology, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, United Kingdom
Language: English
Subject headings: Abstracts, Audiology, Cerebral palsy, Communication devices, Congenital disorders, Media, Rehabilitation, Speech
Geographic areas: Europe, United Kingdom