The contributions of sound to the semiosis of a young man with a severe intellectual disability

Abstract This paper focuses on vocalisations in the microlanguage of a man with a severe intellectual disability named Bodhi, who is functionally nonverbal. To make meaning, Bodhi deploys a variety of modes of expression, including non-speech vocalisations. These have received little attention, other than looking at his use of intonation. In this paper we begin to explore how his vocalisations contribute to meaning and how we might map the meaning making variations occurring in his vocalisations. We build on Dreyfus’ model of nonverbal communication and Ariztimuño’s system of vocal features to show the contributions of sound to Bodhi’s microlanguage. Dreyfus’ model focuses on Bodhi’s self-initiated system of exchanges, which privileges the interpersonal as the key driver of his communication. The main vocal qualities Bodhi uses to make his meanings relate to pitch height, loudness, tempo and tension. The paper will explore how the tendencies of association between these vocal qualities and meanings can provide further tools of interpretation for his communication partners. As such, this paper will set the foundations to enhance the understanding of Bodhi’s spoken communication and potentially act as an example of how to explore the spoken communication of others who rely on nonverbal communication and thus, hopefully, improve the quality of their interactions.