[An analysis of the process of language deformation in the beginning stages of schizophrenia]

The author analyzed the process of language deformation in the beginning stages of schizophrenia in three cases. Through this analysis, the author obtained the following results. 1. The first symptoms and signs which appeared at the beginning stages of schizophrenia were the deformation of both perceptions and thoughts. Though schizophrenics could recognize each object separately, deformation made them unable to grasp objects as a coherent structure for perceptions and thoughts. 2. Once the certainty of perceptions and thoughts wavered, the use of language changed. Schizophrenics became fixated on words used by others, and thereby unable to choose language appropriate to the situation. 3. The change of language use made schizophrenics isolated from others. Therefore, schizophrenics tried to communicate with other persons indirectly by using a mere shell of language. And then, they constructed delusions and hallucinations in schizophrenia. Based on these results of the analysis, the author herein investigated the beginning stages of schizophrenia which began in the deformation of perceptions and thoughts by using the Wittgenstein's "Language-game Sprachspiel" hypothesis.