Evolution of stuttering theories from ancient civilizations to the XIX century

Abstract

Scientists and practitioners note a steady increase in the number of people with stuttering. It should be noted that stuttering is a complex problem, and understanding its essence depends on the development of science and researchers' approaches. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to analyze the evolution of the term “stuttering” and its impact on the development of scientific approaches to diagnosis and methods of speech therapy in correlation with scientific achievements, cultural and social factors that directly shaped approaches to this speech disorder. The historical analysis of the term “stuttering” allows us to identify how ideas about the nature of this phenomenon have changed in different eras, as well as to trace how these ideas influenced the methods of speech therapy and the attitude of society towards this category of people.

The research methods are based on a thorough analysis of historical documents, scientific works and medical treatises. The research also uses a comparative analysis of theories that were put forward in different periods of history. It should be emphasized that the methods of cultural and social analysis were used to assess the impact of social attitudes on the formation of scientific theories and approaches.

The results emphasize the importance of a historical approach to the study of the term “stuttering” as a key element for understanding the evolution of this term in view of the development of science, medical technology and social change. In ancient times, stuttering was considered a physical problem that required mechanical intervention. In the Middle Ages and early modern times, anatomical and physiological theories dominated, linking stuttering to defects in the speech organs. With the development of psychology in the nineteenth century, attention shifted to psycho-emotional aspects.