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Related Concept Videos

Components of Language01:24

Components of Language

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Language, whether spoken, signed, or written, consists of specific components: lexicon and grammar. The lexicon is the vocabulary of a language, comprising its words. Grammar is the set of rules used to convey meaning through the lexicon. For example, English grammar adds “-ed” to most verbs to indicate past tense. Words are formed by combining phonemes, which are the basic sound units of a language. Different languages have different sets of phonemes (e.g., “ah” vs.
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Genetic Lingo01:11

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Overview
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Language01:16

Language

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Language is a unique communication system that uses words and systematic rules to organize and transmit information. Unlike other forms of communication, which may involve postures, movements, odors, or vocalizations, language relies on symbols and grammar. This makes human communication distinct from that of other species, who also communicate but do not use language in the same way humans do.
Corballis and Suddendorf (2007) and Tomasello and Rakoczy (2003) highlight the role of language in...
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Language and Cognition01:27

Language and Cognition

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Language serves as a bridge between ideas and communication, influencing how individuals perceive and interact with the world. Psychologists have long debated whether language shapes thought or vice versa. This discussion gained grip with Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf in the 1940s, who proposed that language determines thought, a concept known as linguistic determinism. They suggested that the vocabulary and structure of a language influence how its speakers think and perceive reality.
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Language Development01:22

Language Development

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Children master language quickly and with relative ease, supported by both biological predisposition and reinforcement. B. F. Skinner (1957) proposed that language is learned through reinforcement, while Noam Chomsky (1965) argued that language acquisition mechanisms are biologically determined.
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Lateralization01:28

Lateralization

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Brain lateralization refers to the division of mental processes and functions between the two hemispheres of the brain, a phenomenon that optimizes neural efficiency and underpins complex abilities in humans. This specialization allows each hemisphere to perform tasks where it has a comparative advantage, facilitating more refined cognitive capabilities across different domains.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 26, 2026

Author Spotlight: Deciphering the Cognitive and Neural Mechanisms of Gesture in Communication
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Author Spotlight: Deciphering the Cognitive and Neural Mechanisms of Gesture in Communication

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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
PubMed
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.

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  • 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.