Pragmatics, Utterance Meaning, and Representational Gesture

Humans produce utterances intentionally, and visible bodily action or gesture is an essential part of speaking. This Element argues that gestures communicate and people produce them with an intention to communicate. It uses evidence from experimental and neuroscientific studies to support this conclusion, suggesting that gestures improve predictions and guide utterance production and comprehension.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 29 February 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Humans produce utterances intentionally, and visible bodily action or gesture has long been acknowledged as a part of the broader activity of speaking. However, it is only recently that the role of gesture during utterance production and comprehension has received significant attention. To understand the role of gesture in communication, we must address two crucial questions: Do gestures communicate? Do people produce gestures with the intention to communicate?

This Element argues that the answer to both questions is affirmative. Gestures are (or can be) communicative in all the ways language is. This conclusion is reached based on the premise that communication involves prediction. Communicators predict the behaviors of themselves and others, and such predictions guide the production and comprehension of utterances.

To support this argument, this Element utilizes evidence from experimental and neuroscientific studies. These studies demonstrate that people produce gestures because doing so enhances their ability to predict the behaviors of others. For example, when individuals are asked to perform a task, they often use gestures to communicate their intentions and guide the actions of others. Similarly, in conversation, gestures can convey emotions, clarify meanings, and reinforce verbal messages.

In conclusion, gestures play a vital role in communication by enhancing prediction and facilitating understanding. They are not just physical movements but are intentional and communicative signals that contribute to the overall meaning of an utterance. As our understanding of gesture production and comprehension continues to evolve, we will gain a deeper appreciation of the intricate ways in which gestures shape our interactions with others.

ISBN-13: 9781009013796