A call for conformity
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Nicole M. Scott
Abstract
Many advances in the study of gesture have been accomplished; however idiosyncratic methodologies and definitions have been applied for different subject pools in human and non-human animals. Since gesture use in our phylogeny dates back at least to other primates, a useful framework for furthering this study should accommodate all gesture forms regardless of species membership. Such a framework would allow for in depth comparisons also if gesture is a product of convergent evolution. The current chapter (i) provides an overview of the state of the art of gesture studies in humans and other primates, (ii) adjusts McNeill’s Gesture Continuum to accommodate all gesture types by implementing Tinbergen’s four “why’s” and (iii) creates a comprehensive definition of gesture that satisfies studies of any animal species.
Abstract
Many advances in the study of gesture have been accomplished; however idiosyncratic methodologies and definitions have been applied for different subject pools in human and non-human animals. Since gesture use in our phylogeny dates back at least to other primates, a useful framework for furthering this study should accommodate all gesture forms regardless of species membership. Such a framework would allow for in depth comparisons also if gesture is a product of convergent evolution. The current chapter (i) provides an overview of the state of the art of gesture studies in humans and other primates, (ii) adjusts McNeill’s Gesture Continuum to accommodate all gesture types by implementing Tinbergen’s four “why’s” and (iii) creates a comprehensive definition of gesture that satisfies studies of any animal species.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgements ix
- About the contributors xi
- Introduction 1
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Article
- Facial-vocal displays, gestures and language 13
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Research Studies
- Does ontogenetic ritualization explain early communicative gestures in human infants? 33
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Non-human primates
- A mother gorilla’s variable use of touch to guide her infant 55
- Spontaneous use of gesture sequences in orangutans 73
- Handedness for manual gestures in great apes 93
- Mandrill visual gestures 113
- Gesture use in consortship 129
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New trends and debates
- A call for conformity 147
- Cognitivism, adaptationism and pointing 165
- Pointing 181
- Requesting behaviours within episodes of active sharing 199
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Article
- Hands and faces 223
- Where next? 241
- Index 253
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgements ix
- About the contributors xi
- Introduction 1
-
Article
- Facial-vocal displays, gestures and language 13
-
Research Studies
- Does ontogenetic ritualization explain early communicative gestures in human infants? 33
-
Non-human primates
- A mother gorilla’s variable use of touch to guide her infant 55
- Spontaneous use of gesture sequences in orangutans 73
- Handedness for manual gestures in great apes 93
- Mandrill visual gestures 113
- Gesture use in consortship 129
-
New trends and debates
- A call for conformity 147
- Cognitivism, adaptationism and pointing 165
- Pointing 181
- Requesting behaviours within episodes of active sharing 199
-
Article
- Hands and faces 223
- Where next? 241
- Index 253
