Ecological Meanings: A Consensus Paper on Individual Differences and Contextual Influences in Embodied Language

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Science
• Linguistics
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Embodied cognition theories posit language and cognition arise from sensorimotor simulations.
• Existing embodied accounts require refinement to account for simulation flexibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss individual differences and context as key sources of variability in embodied language research.
• To propose how these factors can refine embodied theories and improve clinical applications.

Main Methods:

• Consensus paper synthesizing existing evidence.
• Analysis of factors contributing to individual differences (e.g., experiences, strategies).
• Examination of contextual modulations (e.g., word, sentence, narrative) and influences (top-down, bottom-up).

Main Results:

• Individual differences (sensorimotor/cultural experiences, imagery, context, strategies) explain inconsistent findings in embodied language.
• Contextual factors (level of processing, top-down/bottom-up influences) modulate simulation.
• Existing framework is being expanded to include cultural/linguistic diversity, aging, diseases, and bilingualism.

Conclusions:

• Acknowledging individual differences and context is crucial for advancing embodied cognition theories.
• Recommendations are provided for addressing these factors in future research, especially in clinical settings.
• Investigating these factors bridges the gap between laboratory findings and real-world cognition.