[Common categories in the speech of Bert Brechts and the speech of a schizophrenic]

The author demonstrates structural similarities and phenomenal resemblances between the language of Bertolt Brecht and the idiosyncrasies of expression of schizophrenic subjects. He compares some typical modes of expression on the basis of which he draws some general conclusions. What they have in common appears to be a 'disorganization' of the world as we know it which consists of 'things' and 'symbols'. It is only the notion of the more or less conscious use of these means of expression which allows one to distinguish between the 'linguistic world' of Brecht and that of schizophrenic subjects. These findings agree with those of other studies which have revealed affinities between the artistic expression of the mentally deranged and certain trends in art. The author has elaborated a number of heuristic categories which may be employed to understand the various modes of expression and has presented them in table form.