Symbolic language (palliative care)

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In palliative care and medicine , symbolic language or terminal language denotes the metaphor-rich language of the dying who become aware of their dying and try to convey this to their surroundings in language images. People at the end of their life often use encrypted expressions, unusual symbols and archetypal images in their verbal utterances . There is a risk of mistaking this as “confusion” or a symptom of continuity syndrome.

In borderline situations and thus also during dying, the familiar language is often no longer able to adequately portray the inner experience, which is why images and symbols are used. It requires an attentive attitude turned towards the dying person and the willingness to take the time to correctly interpret and decipher this symbolic language. Often metaphors are from the areas of space and time; Travel and travel preparation; Home, home and coming home. However, completely different language images are also possible, which means that an exact interpretation and assignment is not always possible. Sometimes it also happens that the dying switch from one sentence to the next from the symbolic to the factual level, which makes communication even more difficult.

When dealing with people who use the symbolic language, it is advisable not to switch to the factual level, but also to stay on the symbolic level in the answers, ie to "reflect". The hint that these remarks make no sense (“You haven't planned a trip!”, “You are already home!” And the like) sometimes leads to communication breaking off and the dying person to shut himself off feeling misunderstood and left alone. The chance to regulate the important things and to discuss the last things can easily be wasted. For example, sensitive, empathetic questions about which trip is planned, how one can help, who is expected at home, how much time is still needed, etc. can be an aid to successful communication and an occasion to further open up the dying person.

Examples

  • "The clock! It is important that I always see the clock. It is important now to divide up the time! "
  • “I have to see when it's my turn. You know, it's not going that fast, I'm standing in line and have to wait. "
  • "Call the airport and ask if the runway is free!"
  • "Just a seat on the plane and then up and away!"
  • "I want to exit. How can you get off here? "
  • "The suitcases are packed."
  • "Home? I'm going home anyway, it doesn't really matter anymore. "
  • “Do you have the key? How else do I get the gate open? "
  • “I want to end this experiment now. I want this experiment to be ended now. "

literature

  • Monika Renz: Testimonials from the dying. Nearness to death as change and final maturation. Paderborn 2005. Junfermann. ISBN 3-87387-622-1 .

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ a b c Susanne Kränzle among others: Palliative Care . Manual for care and support. 4th edition. Springer, Berlin / Heidelberg / New York 2011, ISBN 978-3-642-20933-8 , pp. 124ff.