Embodied Cognition And Language Comprehension

Sandip Bhaise

Abstract


Embodied cognition states that behaviour is a product of real-time interaction between the nervous system of a body with particular capabilities and a complex environment which allows us to produce that particular behaviour (McNerney, n.d.). Linguistic studies, under cognitive science, first experienced the changes that came along with the introduction of embodied cognition. This pushed research ahead by years, answered many unanswered questions and further helped in development of AI. (Lakoff, 2012). The current study presents six points of views through which embodied cognition is studied.

This study further provides strong support to the claim that body posture affects attention processes; Emphasising the influences of posture and fixation distance on attention. Along with postural factors and reachability of stimulus, overall mobility capacity of an individual also influences visual attention behaviour. As such we see evidences in the study that our body status and capabilities do have a significant impact on our cognitive functions.

Environmental factors, with an emphasis on parent-child relations has also been thoroughly discussed. Concluding on the note that researcher’s need to further explore and do in-depth studies to develop a better understanding about how our body (physically and mentally) along with our environment affects our cognition.


Keywords


Cognition refers to the mental processes that are performed by the mind such as perception, attention, memory, decision making, emotion, language comprehension and formation, critical thinking, and reasoning.

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