Individual differences in pronoun reversal: evidence from two longitudinal case studies
Karen E Evans1, Katherine Demuth
1Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, USA. snavenerak@gmail.com
Journal of Child Language
|June 15, 2011
Summary
Pronoun reversal occurs in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and typically developing children. This study reveals distinct semantic and pragmatic differences in pronoun use between these groups.
Area of Science:
- Linguistics
- Developmental Psychology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Background:
- Pronoun reversal (using 'you' for self, 'I' for others) is often linked to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and language impairments.
- Recent studies indicate pronoun reversal can also occur in typically developing children, including precocious talkers.
Observation:
- This study analyzed longitudinal language data from a typically developing girl and a boy with Asperger's syndrome, both of whom were precocious talkers.
- Both children exhibited pronoun reversal for an extended period.
- Quantitative and qualitative differences in pronoun usage were observed between the two children.
Findings:
- The typically developing girl displayed 'semantic confusion,' using second-person pronouns for self-reference.
- The boy with Asperger's syndrome exhibited a discourse-pragmatic deficit related to perspective-taking.
- These findings suggest multiple underlying mechanisms for pronoun reversal, supporting existing hypotheses.
Implications:
- Pronoun reversal is not exclusively indicative of language impairment or ASD.
- Understanding the varied mechanisms behind pronoun reversal can refine diagnostic criteria and therapeutic approaches for ASD.
- This research contributes to a nuanced understanding of child language development and pragmatic language skills.
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