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Part of
Japanese Mood and Modality in Systemic Functional Linguistics: Theory and Application
Edited by Ken-Ichi Kadooka
[Not in series 234] 2021
► pp. 133–176

Chapter 5
The cognitive and linguistic reasoning process of the speaker’s choice of modal expressions

Modality from the perspective of pragmatic impairment

| Aomori Chuo Gakuin University

The inability to use modality appropriately observed in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is generally viewed as pragmatic impairment. This current study explores the divergent modal usage of ASD individuals, viewing it as a pragmatic impairment to be examined from neurological, cognitive, and linguistic perspectives. Based on statistical data derived from observations of how ASD persons use modal expressions while speaking, this paper clarifies the nature of their pragmatic impairment and proposes a new model for research. Although Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) did not explore the cognitive side of language use, the current study supports the view that pragmatic competency is primarily a neurocognitive and secondarily a linguistic function. This is evidenced by the empirical studies of lexicogrammatical choices made by individuals with cognitive disability such as ASD, as the current study shows. The central issue is that seeing pragmatic impairment from the neurocognitive perspective tells us how various factors (in addition to language) are integrated when normal people engage in conversational exchange in interpersonal situations.

Keywords: Pragmatic impairment, modality, SFL, ASD, clinical linguistics
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Theoretical framework of SFL
    • 2.1Synoptic view of the text defined in SFL
    • 2.2Language as system network
    • 2.3Theoretical framework of modality in SFL constructs
    • 2.4Grammatical metaphor / metaphorical realization
    • 2.5Orientation
  • 3.General picture of ASD from the neurological perspective
  • 4.Method
    • 4.1Corpus data and materials
      • 1.Corpus
      • 2.Participants
      • 3.Materials
    • 4.2Procedure
  • 5.Results
  • 6.Discussion
    • 6.1Theory of Mind (ToM)
    • 6.2Executive function (EF)
    • 6.3Central coherence (CC)
    • 6.4Preference for expectation and inclination
  • 7.The process leading to pragmatic impairment
    • Procedure 1: Consideration of contexts of culture and situation
    • Procedure 2: Text-making processes in semantics, choices of lexicogrammar, and actual utterances
  • 8.Determinant factor of making choices
  • 9.Conclusion
  • Notes
  • Abbreviations for grammatical items
  • References
Published online: 23 March 2021
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/z.234.04kat
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