[Structure of the use of symbols in schizophrenic language]

The structure of the use of symbols in schizophrenia is examined, based on a recorded text spoken by a 35-year-old schizophrenic teacher (female). At specific points in this text, symbolic usage can be determined. The structural analysis illustrates a schizophrenic alteration which exists in each case through the substitution of a secondary meaning for a primary one. This structure is present in all cases. (In addition, the text also contains a symbol stemming from folk tradition.) This structure is identical with the structure of linguistic alteration in schizophrenics as well as that of the structure of schizophrenic delusions. This present study concentrates on the formal analysis of the use of symbols and does not present a close analysis of the content.