Figurative meaning in multimodal work by an autistic artist: a cognitive semantic approach

Abstract

Research on figurative meaning in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) would benefit from considering a greater variety of data types and using more diverse methods. Previous studies have predominantly applied experimental methods to investigate processing of figurative language (mostly metaphor) and have for the most part concluded that individuals with ASD have deficits in figurative language comprehension. In this study, we focus on the creation and communication of figurative meaning in discursively situated and thematically organized verbal, gestural, and pictorial data published by an autistic artist in the form of videos and comics. Across three prominent experiential themes in the data, we isolate types of conceptualizations and generalize over mappings between target and source experiences. We find that the data are rich in figurative meaning expression (e.g., metaphor and metonymy) conveyed through language, co-speech gestures, and pictures in ways that are clearly embodied (experientially based) and that reflect affordances and constraints of these modes of communication. While our case study of meaning production does not contradict previous research on figurative meaning comprehension in populations, it does indicate benefits of taking a broader and multimodal approach to figurative meaning in research on ASD.

Tindak Tutur Representatif Dan Makna Kias Pada Siaran Televisi Lapor Pak Trans 7

“…Namun, karena permainan kata pembicara menyampaikan makna dan maksud tertentu yang jarang disadari oleh klien, maka tindakan sensasional tersebut dapat langsung direspons dengan emosi positif dan negatif. Teori yang mendukung hal ini (Hartman & Paradis, 2021) menyatakan bahwa sebagian besar penelitian menunjukkan bahwa orang kesulitan memahami makna kia).…”