It has long been suspected that language evolved from the ability to transfer meaning through gesture. This American study shows that the same areas in the brain - the anterior and posterior temporal lobe regions we call Broca's and Wernicke's areas - are used, not only for translating gestures that constitute sign language - which has a grammar and structure - but also for translating gestures that convey meaning without resort to words and phrases: pantomimes mimicking actions or objects, and emblematic gestures like a hand sweeping across a forehead to indicate "Phew! It's hot in here!" As one of the lead researchers is quoted saying: "Our results fit a longstanding theory which says that the common ancestor of humans and apes communicated through meaningful gestures, and, over time, the brain regions that processed gestures became adapted or using words.....If the theory is correct, our language areas may actually be the remnant of this ancient communication system, one that continues to process gesture as well as language in the human brain."
It may be that Wernicke's area serves as a storehouse for words out of which Broca's area selects the most appropriate match. These researchers also suggest that these regions are not limited to deciphering words but applying meaning to any incoming symbols: words, gestures, images, sounds or objects.
Interestingly, the article notes, a baby's ability to communicate using gestures precedes language and you can predict a child's language skills based on their gestural repertoire in the first few months of life.
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