Motor Simulation and Ostensive-inferential communication: insights and clarifications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/ths.2022.002Keywords
language acquisition, ostensive communication, motor simulation, intentions, mindreadingAbstract
In the article , a theoretical model of how motor simulation is a mechanism that underlies language acquisition is described. It is argued that motor areas might play a role in both the recognition of linguistic communicative and informative intentions in infants, by activating brain regions dedicated to speech processing. In this paper, I will extend the position taken there (i) by connecting my model to the features of infant-caregiver interaction in speech perception, (ii) by explaining the process that causes brains to create networks between speech areas and the motor cortex, and (iii) by showing how the most influential mindreading models can be made compatible with both the embodied simulation theory and with the cognitive abilities in children.
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