Metaphoric Stammers and Embodied Speakers: Connecting Clinical, Cultural and Creative Practice in the area of Dysfluent Speech
Wellcome Trust
University College Dublin
Stammering is a complex, fascinating phenomenon that involves 70 million speakers worldwide, with a ratio of approx. 4 men to 1 woman (Stuttering Foundation). Attended by a history of problematic medical/clinical intervention (Shell 2005; Eagle 2014), it continues to challenge neuroscientists exploring its causes (Per Alm 2006), clinicians developing treatments, and (most of all) the individuals who stammer across the borders of class, culture and ethnicity. Despite the profound significance of cultural responses to the experience of dyslfuency and its expression, the humanities have remained sidelined from mainstream scientific/clinical practice (e.g., Oxford Dysfluency Conference 2017). The present project proposes the first humanities-led network in the area, one in dynamic conversation with clinical/scientific voices around concepts of 'normal' speech and the tenacious alignment of fluency with social 'health' and cultural authority. Building upon presentations/discussions from the recent 'Metaphoric Stammers' conference (2018), three workshops (Clinical, Cultural and Creative) will identify a shared agenda and a series of key objectives, along with the practical structures necessary for delivery. Overall aim: development of a transformative approach to dysfluency with the interdisciplinarity and flexibility necessary to respond to its complex, highly individualised nature, ultimately informing and reshaping public debate/policy around clinical practice and resourcing.
No Research Activity assigned