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Gestures and Language . The Origin of Language: Gestural Theory. Two possibilities for the origin of language . 1. Language developed from the calls of our ancestors. 2. Language was derived from gesture.
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Gestures and Language
The Origin of Language: Gestural Theory
Two possibilities for the origin of language 1. Language developed from the calls of our ancestors 2. Language was derived from gesture human language developed from gestures that were used for simple communication.
Evidence Neural systems. 2. Nonhuman primates.
Processing Areas The left inferior frontal gyrus (Broca'sarea) speech production The posterior middle temporal gyrus accessing word meaning while reading Posterior superior temporal sulcus hearing human voices, the perception of biological motion Superior temporal gyrus (Wernicke's area) auditory processing
Patients who used sign language, and who suffered from a left-hemisphere lesion, showed the same disorders with their sign language as vocal patients did with their oral language.
The same left-hemisphere brain regions were active during sign language as during the use of vocal or written language.
Nonhuman primates Use gestures or symbols for primitive communication • Resemble those of humans • Begging posture Partially genetic • Different apes perform gestures characteristic of their species • Gestures are an intrinsic and important part of primate communication
Chimpanzees move their mouths when performing fine motor tasks. Young children under the age of two seem to rely on pointing Gesture frequency increased as speaking frequency increased with age.
Voice modulation could have been prompted by preexisting manual actions.
Why there was a shift to vocalization? Possibilities: Hands occupied lack of visibility
It is difficult to name serious reasons whythe initial pitch-based vocal communication would be abandoned in favor of the much less effective non-vocal, gestural communication.
Etiquette • The United States • “A firm handshake, • accompanied by direct eye • contact, is the standard greeting.” • China • Oftentimes a nod of the • head or a slight bow will • suffice.
Mating ritual • Elaborate dances and other movements Religious or spiritual rituals • Christian sign of the cross.
Hinduism and Buddhism A mudrais a symbolic gesture made with the hand or fingers. An example is the Vitarka mudra, the gesture of discussion and transmission of Buddhist teaching. It is done by joining the tips of the thumb and the index together, while keeping the other fingers straight.
