A functional exploration of discourse markers by an individual with dementia of the Alzheimer's type: A conversation analytic perspective.

摘要

This dissertation is an exploration into the functional use of discourse markers by an individual with dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT). Discourse markers serve a strong functional purpose in the everyday lives of individuals, but their use has never been explored in individuals with DAT. Using the qualitative methodology of conversation analysis, five discourse markers emerged based upon their distributional and sequential accountability. These markers are "oh," "so," "you know," "and," and "but." These markers all have clearly identified functions and are used systematically by the participant with DAT. The way in which the individual with DAT employs these markers are very similar to what has been found in relation to discourse marker usage in non-impaired populations. Based on the results of this study, it can be seen how discourse markers are employed by an individual with DAT in a relatively "normal" way, and that the frequency of these markers is much greater when compared to the familiar interlocutor versus the unfamiliar interlocutor. These results indicate preserved/residual abilities in relation to discourse coherence and conversational competence, thus indicating that despite a cognitive-linguistic impairment, an individual with DAT is able to compensate and continue to be an effective communicator.