Dementia, especially the prevalent Alzheimer’s type (DAT) is one of the most common cognitive impairments studied in the western world. However, understanding its impact on communication and its linguistic manifestations requires a broader lens that encompasses diverse cultural and multilingual contexts. This course delves into the intricate dynamics of verbal interaction across various stages of dementia within different cultural settings.
From a cross-cultural perspective, we investigate the representation of dementia and discursive practices by individuals living with dementia across different discourse contexts. Through the analysis of spoken and written discourse, including conversations, interviews, public speeches, online forums, and media portrayals, students gain insight into the varied cultural constructions of dementia. Moreover, students are encouraged to collect and analyze data on their own, including their respective cultural and linguistic backgrounds, fostering a deeper understanding of the intersection of language and dementia.
- Lehrende(r): Carolin Schneider