ABSTRACT
The characteristics of aberrant language and its distinction from language that is designated pathological is described. Although aberrant language is based upon the language of primordial consciousness, the language of primordial consciousness is inherently normal. In fact it is the basis of many normal and even creative behaviors as well. Normality and pathology depend upon the context in which it is employed. Unfortunately the concept of primordial consciousness and its language is derived from Freud’s primary process and Klein’s concept of phantasy, and both these theorists were not clear about whether what they were describing was normal, pathological, or somehow simultaneously both. Whether language based on primordial consciousness is aberrant depends on whether it expresses distorted content acquired during disturbed primary attachment and on whether its use is appropriate to the immediate social context. Whether it expresses pathology is a separate matter that depends on consensus social judgment. Examples are provided from the language of President Donald Trump.
