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Author Spotlight: Deciphering the Cognitive and Neural Mechanisms of Gesture in Communication
Published on: January 26, 2024
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Gesture for Linguists: A Handy Primer
Natasha Abner1, Kensy Cooperrider2, Susan Goldin-Meadow2
1Montclair State University.
Language and Linguistics Compass
|January 26, 2016
Summary
Human communication involves both spoken language and spontaneous gestures. Understanding gesture is crucial for a complete study of language, as it integrates deeply with speech and has cognitive dimensions.
Area of Science:
- Linguistics
- Cognitive Science
- Psychology
Background:
- Humans utilize both spoken language and spontaneous gestures for communication.
- Gestures are distinct movements accompanying speech, possessing form, function, and meaning.
- Gesture systematically integrates with language at all linguistic levels during production and perception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significance of gesture as a fundamental component of human communication.
- To demonstrate the intricate relationship between gesture and language.
- To underscore the necessity of including gesture in comprehensive language studies.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of existing research on gesture and language.
- Analysis of typological variations in gesture across language communities.
- Examination of the cognitive and communicative dimensions of gesture.
Main Results:
- Gesture is a universal yet variably constrained aspect of human communication.
- Gestures are systematically integrated with spoken language.
- Gesture possesses significant cognitive dimensions beyond its communicative role.
Conclusions:
- The study of language is incomplete without the inclusion of gesture.
- Gesture is an essential communicative partner to spoken language.
- Further research into gesture is vital for a holistic understanding of human communication.
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