Theory of Mind and Language in the Adult: Some Considerations from the Perspective of Speech Therapy

Abstract

This study shows a review about the relationship between language development and Theory of Mind (ToM) from a pragmatic-functionalist approach, based on a qualitative analysis of the role of textual and contextual categories, as an activity related to social, emotional and cognitive aspects during adulthood. From a functional approach, the study of language and human communication is understood as a process influenced by personal, linguistic, social, and cultural factors. In a pragmatic-functional view, the study of the functions related to ToM is a fundamental task, since communication depends on multiple factors and people with language impairment like people with dementia, can face many troubles in ToM abilities. For these reasons language therapist need to use the MetAphAs protocol in order to assess language in a whole vision. Language therapy techniques aimed at stimulating face-to-face conversation can be planned in different ways. The Programme of Stimulation of Metalinguistic Skills in Theory of Mind for People with Dementia helps to stimulate the metalinguistic performance in the most natural contexts possible.