The Malignant Ambiguity of Incestuous Language

Abstract

This article discusses the malignant ambiguity typical of incestuous language: the ambiguity of revealing and concealing, which creates a language that pretends to produce meaning and enable links whereas, in fact, constitutes a violent attack on linking. Through a detailed description of two clinical cases, the formation of two defensive positions is demonstrated: one involves the overall flattening of three-dimensionality, and the other is a defensive pseudo-phallic position employing various modes of ejection by way of fending off penetration. Finally, the article focuses on the inherent ambiguity of the therapeutic scene and the critical role of the therapist's work of reverie as enabling the reclaiming of both the patient's and the therapist's psychic polyphony.

Keywords:

• incest
• language
• ambiguity
• two-dimensionality
• revealing & concealing
• psychic polyphony

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Dana Amir

Dana Amir, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, supervising and training analyst at the Israel psychoanalytic society, faculty member and head of the interdisciplinary doctoral program in psychoanalysis at Haifa University, Editor of Maarag – the Israel Annual of Psychoanalysis (the Hebrew University), poet, and literature researcher. She is the author of six poetry books and three psychoanalytic books: Cleft Tongue (Karnac, 2014), On the Lyricism of the Mind (Routledge, 2016), and Bearing Witness to the Witness (Routledge, 2018). She is the winner of many national and international prizes, including The Frances Tustin International Memorial Prize (2011), the IPA (International Psychoanalytic Association) Sacerdoti Prize (2013), the IPA (International Psychoanalytic Association) Hayman Prize (2017) and the IFPE (International Forum of Psychoanalytic Education) Distinguished Psychoanalytic Educators Award (2017).