本論文探究自閉症譜系障礙（Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD）成人的言談與語用能力，提出重新審視自閉症的語言能力視為缺陷的既有觀點，主張自閉症成人其實具備獨特的認知技能與溝通策略。透過會話分析（conversation analysis），解析一名自閉症成人與其朋友之間真實且自然的對話。本研究檢視語用學中的核心特徵，包括個人的語意系統（private semantic systems）、格萊斯的合作原則（cooperative principle）、預設（presupposition）與仿聲現象（echolalia）來討論自閉症者的溝通特點。研究探討以下四個問題：(1) 自閉症者如何使用個人的語意系統溝通？(2) 自閉症者是否有其獨特的方式與目的違反合作原則？(3) 自閉症者如何在溝通中傳遞預設？(4) 自閉症者是否會受仿聲現象影響其溝通模式？研究結果顯示，受試者使用個人的語意系統來處理及面對困難的話題，並用其開啟或維持與他人的對話，彰顯其在其溝通中的關鍵角色。雖然受試者常違反會話的合作原則，但其展現出違反原則的目的是將與他人的對話引導至他較熟悉話題的溝通策略，並顯示出偏好結構化且有意義的訊息交換。在分析預設這項特質當中，結果揭示受試者的聯想思維與記憶特性，使其能夠以有目標性且符合語境的方式進行對話。仿聲現象的研究則表明，其並非單純的重複性語言，而是一種重要的語言學習工具，並且強調仿聲的功能性價值。本研究結論指出，自閉症成人透過獨特的策略使用，有目的且有意義的語言來表達思想。藉由深入探討這些溝通方式，本論文呼籲應從認知多樣性的視角，重新審視自閉症的語言，而非將其置於缺陷的框架中。

This thesis explores the discourse and pragmatic abilities of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It challenges the perception of language deficits by proclaiming that autistic people have unique cognitive skills and communicative strategies. By analyzing spontaneous conversations between an adult with ASD and a close friend as the interlocutor, this study employs the method of Conversation Analysis to examine key pragmatic features: private semantic systems, Grice’s cooperative principles, presupposition, and echolalia. The research addresses the following questions: (1)How do autistic speakers make use of private semantic systems? (2) Do autistic speakers have unique ways of flouting conversational maxims? (3) How do autistic speakers convey presuppositions in their communication? (4) How does the presence of echolalia affect autistic speakers’ communicative discourse? The findings reveal that H employs phrases from his private semantic systems to deal with challenging conversation topics and initiate or sustain a dialogue, demonstrating its critical role in his communication. While often flouting conversational maxims, H’s responses reflect his efforts to direct discussions toward familiar subjects, showing a preference for structured and meaningful message exchanges. The investigation into presupposition leads to the result of H’s associative thinking and excellent memory, further giving him the ability to contribute to conversations in an intentional and contextual expression. Contrary to traditional assumptions that echolalia is just a repetition of previous words or phrases with no function, echolalia is identified as an active language acquisition tool, emphasizing its purpose and role rather than repetitive speech. This study concludes that individuals with ASD use purposeful and meaningful language to convey their thoughts through unique strategies. By examining and understanding these communicative approaches, this thesis declares the importance of reframing ASD language within a framework of cognitive diversity rather than deficit.

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