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Since the language system has a hierarchical organisation (9.10), it seems plausible that the functions relating to language also display the regression phenomenon. It can be illustrated by an example. When a badly wanted goal cannot be attained by cultured verbal behaviour, based on logic and polite persuasion, regression may occur to more primitive levels of oral communication. Depending on the circumstances it may take the form of less civilized language, inarticulate shouting, violent and frustrated crying, or weeping in helpless, appealing submission. Referring to figure 9.10.2 we see that during an agonistic outburst the mode of communication has regressed from the verbal levels 4-6 to the almost entirely pre-verbal levels 1-3.
The language system too may become conditioned to a regressive development. Cluttering is an example. Be it by attentional deficit, by lack of confidence, or by lack of temporal or spatial orientation, the person who is repeatedly frustrated in his communicative goals will give up further attempts to improve his verbal achievements. If left untreated, he will remain at a habitually primitive level of oral communication, deficient at the phonemic, the syntax or the logic level.
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