Abstract
The purpose of this longitudinal study is to analyze data of a case (child A) with cerebral palsy (CP) from 23 to 46 months, and to investigate the developmental process of demonstratives. His data was compared with that of 28 ordinary children and another CP patient, child B. The main results were as follows: 1) The use of “kore” (this) is related to the augmentation of the ability to point and reach objects clearly. 2) Child A first acquired “kore”, while the ordinary children first acquired demonstrative use of words such as “mama” (mother). This use requires awareness of physical and psychological distance between mothers and children. 3) The emergence of “koko” (here), “ima” (now), “boku” (I), and so-series demonstratives were both delayed in children A and B. Thus, the development of language in children with CP seems highly related to the disorder of physical movement and the development of self-other consciousness.
