The Translated Echolalia of a Bilingual Child with Autism

Abstract

This study investigated the phenomenon of translated echolalia in a bilingual child with autism, who was between the ages of 7, 11 and 8,2 years at the time of the study. She presented with instances of echolalia that were direct translations from her first language (Sotho) to her second language (English). In order to explore this phenomenon the subject's use of and proficiency in each language is described. The language assessment included an analysis of her receptive language, pragmatic ability, the language of her responses and an analysis of he': echolalic responses (including her translated echolalia). Furthermore, a cognitive processing profile was obtained in order to determine how this related to her first and second language abilities. Moreover, her theory of mind / perspective-taking ability was assessed as her language selection and translated echolalia suggested poor communicative sensitivity. A model is presented to explain the phenomenon of translated echolalia in this child and the extent to which translation involves the conceptual/semantic system is discussed. It is suggested that under certain conditions translation may occur at a lexical rather than a semantic/conceptual level.