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Area of Science:

  • Pragmatics
  • Cognitive Science
  • Comparative Psychology

Background:

  • Ostensive communication theory (Sperber & Wilson, 1986/1995) posits dual intentions: informative and communicative.
  • This framework has influenced pragmatics, developmental, and comparative psychology, yet requires further elaboration.
  • Previous models, including Gricean pragmatics, are being refined to better explain ostensive communication.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a revised, broadened, and more explicit account of ostensive communication.
  • To explore the roles of cognitive relevance and social cooperativeness expectations.
  • To differentiate between basic and mentalistic ostension and their evolutionary and developmental implications.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research in pragmatics and psychology.
  • Analysis of comparative psychology findings, particularly regarding great ape communication.
  • Theoretical integration of concepts from natural pedagogy theory and Gricean pragmatics.

Main Results:

  • A revised model distinguishing "basic ostension" (evidence of information) and "mentalistic communication" (evidence of communicative intention).
  • Evidence suggests a basic, nonmentalistic ostension may have evolved in great apes.
  • Typical verbal communication utilizes both basic and mentalistic ostension.

Conclusions:

  • Ostensive communication is a complex process involving both cognitive and social expectations.
  • The revised model offers a more nuanced understanding of ostensive communication across species and developmental stages.
  • This framework reconciles findings from comparative psychology and theories of human pedagogy.