Exploring the Limited Acquisition of the Tsugaru Dialect in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Matsumoto researched the use of dialects among children and individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (Matsumoto, 2017). This research was initiated due to a local belief that "children with autism do not speak the Tsugaru dialect" in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture, Japan. National survey results revealed a widespread perception that individuals with ASD across Japan do not use dialects, with particularly low use of dialect vocabulary. In addition, studies have reported that in regions where there is a significant divergence between the dominant language in natural communication and the media (such as Iceland and Arabic-speaking areas), individuals with ASD tend to use the media-dominant language more frequently, suggesting a potential influence of the media on language acquisition. Conversely, previous research on language development emphasizes the importance of social interaction in language learning, and there are strong critiques of media-based language acquisition. This paper proposes an integrated interpretation of the phenomenon observed in Japan, Iceland, and North Africa, drawing on the perspectives of disability characteristics, societal language systems, and the evolution of media tools and content while incorporating insights from previous language development studies.