Action-based language: A theory of language acquisition, comprehension, and production

• Published in: Cortex Vol. 48; no. 7; pp. 905 - 922
• Main Authors: Glenberg, Arthur M., Gallese, Vittorio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Italy Elsevier Srl 01-07-2012
• Subjects: Brain; Brain - physiology; Communication systems; Comprehension - physiology; Embodiment; Emotions; Emotions - physiology; Evolution; Feedback; HMOSAIC model of action control; Humans; Language; Language Development; Learning; Learning - physiology; Mirror neurons; Mirror Neurons - physiology; Motor task performance; Perception; Speech - physiology; Speech Perception - physiology; Language; Embodiment; Mirror neurons; HMOSAIC model of action control
• ISSN: 0010-9452; 1973-8102
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2011.04.010

Evolution and the brain have done a marvelous job solving many tricky problems in action control, including problems of learning, hierarchical control over serial behavior, continuous recalibration, and fluency in the face of slow feedback. Given that evolution tends to be conservative, it should not be surprising that these solutions are exploited to solve other tricky problems, such as the design of a communication system. We propose that a mechanism of motor control, paired controller/predictor models, has been exploited for language learning, comprehension, and production. Our account addresses the development of grammatical regularities and perspective, as well as how linguistic symbols become meaningful through grounding in perception, action, and emotional systems.