On the Jakobson’s Postulate: the notion of markedness

A Case study of French Phonology of Aphasia and Acquisition

Abstract

In this paper, we will suggest that the Jakobson postulate ([1941] 1968) concerning the mirror-image between language acquisition and speech language impairment is still relevant. This study presents the results of an investigation into the acquisition of phonology of 20 French children and the speech pathology of 20 French aphasic speakers. On the basis of French data, our claim is that markedness, which played a central role in Jakobson’s work, is essential for the treatment of the production of children and aphasic speakers. We will show that similar strategies, such as deletions, epenthesis and substitutions are applied during acquisition but also during aphasia. These strategies correspond to the application of repair strategies made by aphasics and children to solve a conflict between their own constraints and the constraints applied in standard language.