| Recognizing that human communication is highly expressive and it does not cease to exist if an individual is not able to produce spoken language, this thesis is an exploratory ethnographic study which seeks to utilize a dramaturgical perspective in identifying the function and structure of communication between children who are nonverbal (with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy) and their caregivers (Brissett & Edgley, 2009). The main informants for this study were two sets of parents with children diagnosed with cerebral palsy, who agreed to participate in twenty hours of engagement, which included direct interviews, observation, and personal interaction. The study specifically observed communication episodes, the function of communication within these episodes, and the methods utilized to perform meaning within the observed frames utilizing dramaturgy, nonverbal communication, and Victor Turner's ritual theory. In particular, the following questions were pursued: What is the function of communication between a caregiver and a nonverbal child? What does the meaning making process look like when spoken words are not always available? And, how does the interaction between a caregiver and a nonverbal child resemble a dramaturgical performance and what does this mean?;The results of the study suggest that communication served very specific functions, such as the display of affection, the request for basic needs, intrapersonal communication, and play. Additionally, the following themes were presented and analyzed in greater detail: the sense making and meaning making processes utilized by caregivers during emergent communication behaviors, nonverbal communication techniques used to convey meaning, the importance of play as an anti-structure and a vehicle to increase expression, and performativity. Further research is needed to explore how caregivers may increase the functionality of communication for their children who are nonverbal, such as providing expressive mechanisms to communicate dreams, curiosity, etc. Additionally, further research may be needed to explore the narrative structure that presented itself within the observed communication episodes. |
