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Author Spotlight: Deciphering the Cognitive and Neural Mechanisms of Gesture in Communication
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Frequency of Gesture Use and Language in Typically Developing Prelinguistic Children
Jessica R Stewart1, Debra C Vigil2, Ralph Carlson1
1University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley, United States.
Infant Behavior & Development
|January 21, 2021
Summary
Gesture frequency in infants is linked to language development, with age and setting influencing this relationship. Understanding this connection aids early identification of communication abilities.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Linguistics
- Child Development
Background:
- Gestures represent an early form of intentional communication in infants.
- Understanding the relationship between gesture use and language development is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between gesture frequency and language abilities in prelinguistic children.
- To explore how age and setting affect gesture use frequency.
Main Methods:
- 54 typically developing infants (9-15 months) participated.
- Mullen's Scale of Early Learning assessed language.
- Gesture samples were collected in structured and unstructured settings.
- Gesture types (behavior regulation, social interaction, joint attention) were coded.
Main Results:
- Both age and setting significantly impacted gesture frequency.
- Gesture frequency correlated with receptive and expressive language skills.
- The specific relationship varied depending on the gesture type.
Conclusions:
- Gesture frequency is related to language abilities in young children.
- Findings enhance understanding of early communication development.
- This research supports using gesture analysis for early language assessment.
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