Alexander Z. Guiora

The effects of experimentally induced changes in ego states on pronunciation ability in a second language: An exploratory study

N AN ATTEMPT to apply the methods of scientific inquiry to the rich but relatively elusive data that are generated in the clinical circumstance, a research strategy, termed transpositional research, has been proposed by Guiora.’ The first step in this strategy is the identification of another realm of behavior where the phenomena first observed in the clinical situation can also be assumed to exist. It is essential, however, that the behavior chosen for hypothesis testing lend itself readily to experimental manipulation and control. Thus, once a hypothesis generated in the clinical setting is tested out in the transposed realm, we can then hope to reapply the findings to the original circumstance. For the past several years, Guiora has been engaged in the empirical study of the concept of empathy. The nonclinical behavioral realm selected for this study was the ability to authentically pronounce a second language. In a series of publications, Guiora6,8y10 developed the proposition that empathy can be conceptualized as a comprehending modality alongside inference and intuition and offered the following definition: “Empathy is a process of comprehending in which a temporary fusion of self-object boundaries, as in the earliest pattern of object relations, permits an immediate emotional apprehension of the affective experience of another, this sensing being used by the cognitive functions to gain understanding of the other.“6 It is clear from the foregoing definition that empathic capacity is viewed as critically dependent upon the flexibility of the psychic processes which function to regulate self-object boundaries. The choice of authenticity of pronunciation as the behavioral realm for testing hypotheses concerning empathic capacity is based on the notion that pronunciation ability is profoundly influenced by the same underlying processes, namely, permeability of ego boundaries. In a recent paper’ Guiora introduced a new concept: language ego. It was proposed that similar to the concept of body ego, ’ 2 language ego is conceived as a maturational concept and likewise refers to self-representation with physical outlines and firm boundaries: “Grammar and syntax are the solid structure on which speech hangs, lexis the flesh that gives it body, and pronunciation its very core. Pronunciation is the most

Construct validity and transpositional research: toward an empirical study of psychoanalytic concepts.

L IKE ALL GREAT HOUSES, the magnificent edifice of psychological constructs, erected by the master-architect Sigmund Freud has a resident ghost. This ghost is the spirit of verification. The imposing structure of psychoanalytic concepts has, of course, considerable internal consistency and coherence. This, otherwise felicitous circumstance however, further complicates the situation by frequently leading to substitution of fraternal concurrence for construct validity. The following quotation from Heinz Hartmann will illustrate my point.

Psychological Variables and Ability to Pronounce a Second Language.

The following study tested the hypothesis that the ability to speak a second language authentically or like a native speaker was related to an individuals sensitivity to cues in interpersonal situations, his empathic capacity. A test of empathy consisted of silent film clips shown at various speeds; subjects were asked to indicate each change in facial expression they observed. A test group of 28 University students took this and additional control tests including the Thematic Apperception Test. These subjects learned basic conversations in Japanese in four one-hour sessions. Their pronunciation was rated by native speakers on general authenticity and on specific phonetic details for five spontaneous sentences and five sentences repeated after the instructor. Results indicated differences in speaking skills which were related to two clusters of variables representing independent personality characteristics: an empathy dimension defined by four variables (tolerance to anxiety, intelligence, involvement in emotional experiences, and perception of emotional expression) was related to correct pronunciation of specific details in spontaneous sentences, while an intuition dimension (tolerance to anxiety, intelligence, and psychological mindedness) was significantly related to general authenticity of pronunciation of repeated sentences.

The role of personality variables in second language behavior.

EACHERS OF SECOND LANGUAGES have frequently made the observation that the ability to speak a new language authentically, to assimilate or approximate native-like pronunciation, cannot be totally accounted for by the learner’s intelligence, motivation, or skill in other facets of language training. Authenticity of pronunciation can be noted early in language learning and seems not to be modified to any great extent by training or eff0rt.l To date there have been few research efforts specifically aimed at analyzing pronunciation skills and explaining interpersonal differences in the ability to speak authentically. Experience and observation have prompted the suggestion that certain personality variables may play a critical role in the ability to speak a second language with native-like authenticity. Guiora has proposed that, other things being equal, the ability to speak a new language authentically is significantly related to the empathic capacity of an individual, his sensitivity to the feelings of others.” This theory postulates that individuals who are more sensitive in their interactions with others, who are more receptive to subtle cues of behavior and feelings, would have an enhanced capacity to discern those cues and nuances which, when incorporated in speaking, produce authentic, native-like pronunciation, A review of the literature on empathy indicates that, while theories and definitions of empathy have been well explicated, there has been little research adequately operationalizing the concept. Most definitions share the basic theory that empathy is the ability to understand the feelings of another through subtle cues of behavior or speech. Some theorists see the process as a temporary identification with another,3x4 while others propose that one reflects on his own similar feelings and experiences in order to understand the feelings of the other. 536 The definition of empathy on which this study is based has been offered by Guiora as one of three comprehending modalities.7

On Clinical Diagnosis and Prediction

This paper distinguishes among three different modes of comprehending through which diagnostic and predictive clinical judgments are reached. A brief discussion and definition of each of these modes, that is, inference, empathy, and intuition, are offered in order to indicate that differentiation is possible. It is felt that continued exploration of these processes promises to provide more fruitful understanding of what is now often accepted merely as inexplicable and “uncanny” clinical judgment.

The Michigan Gender Identity Test (MIGIT)

Summary This paper provides in detail the rationale, administration procedure, coding, and scoring of the Michigan Gender Identity Test (MIGIT). Included are instructions and scoring sheets to be used in administering the test. It is believed the MIGIT fills the need for an age-appropriate test for the assessment of gender identity in children over 18 months of age. The experimental use of the MIGIT is encouraged, with the view of further refining it and enhancing its potential as a research and clinical instrument.