Rethinking covert stuttering

Area of Science:

• Speech and Language Pathology
• Sociology of Health
• Ethics

Background:

• Covert stuttering, or passing as fluent, is often viewed negatively.
• Historically, passing has been seen as repression of the authentic self due to distress or discrimination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore a more nuanced understanding of passing as fluent.
• To investigate how individuals relate to themselves to achieve fluency.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research study.
• Utilized Michel Foucault's ethical theories.
• Conducted semi-structured interviews with nine participants who pass as fluent.

Main Results:

• Passing as fluent is a form of resistance against a hostile society.
• Participants recognized the ethical implications of stuttering.
• Self-forming practices were used to pass and gain privileges associated with able-bodiedness.

Conclusions:

• Passing as fluent is not inauthentic but a distinct form of stuttering.
• It involves specific communication technologies and an ethical self-relationship.
• Passing is an active resistance, offering potential for changed self-performance.