ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the bearing of Donald Meltzer's concept of nipple-penis confusion, firstly on selective mutism, and secondly on the articulation of words. It suggests that the concept has great explanatory power, as it seems to be capable of subsuming phenomena that Meltzer described in connection with the Theatre of the Mouth as well as the traumatic experiences that can be implicated in selective mutism. It also provides a framework for linking the two areas to the child's character. The chapter outlines the concept of nipple-penis confusion and then refers to Meltzer's proposed conditions for language development, supplementing this by discussing the child's ability to take psychological ownership of the organs of the mouth. It also suggests that it may be useful to extend some of Meltzer's formulations on the motives in play in nipple-penis confusion by considering its manifestations on these more primitive levels of trauma and adhesive identification.
