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From: Greg Snyder
Date: 08 Oct 2006
Time: 19:28:40 -0500
Remote Name: 207.68.248.51
Hi Marina. You wrote: [would you expect there to be significant differences between stuttering in different modalities, such as a difference between stuttering in sign language and stuttering in SimCom? Also, would you say that the complexity of the modality has an affect on the prevalence of stuttering?] Well--first, the observable manifestations of the stuttering phenomenon will likely have a greater reflection of the modality being expressed--rather than simple commonalities of the stereotypical “stuttering” behaviors. But in all honesty, I don’t think we have any real clue. There’s a lifetime of research to be done to tease all this stuff out; and I’m certainly under no delusion of having such answers. But I will predict this: If the stuttering phenomenon does indeed extend beyond speech, and exists in all expressive modalities, then the prevalence should be consistent throughout. This is, however, hard to test--as the stuttering phenomenon may be under recognized and under diagnosed in other expressive modalities. Further, speech really isn’t optional. If someone “stutters” while playing musical instruments, then they likely will not play them. If they “stutter” while writing, then they will likely rely on the keyboard. Point being, I predict that the inherent consequences of some modalities will be greater than others. Not being able to play the flute well affects very few; not being able to speak well affects all that demonstrate the phenomenon. So--not a clean answer, but I hope this helps…