A–Z Glossary

Deictic gesture

A deliberate gesture used to direct another person's attention or communicate a request before or alongside speech.

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First Gestures Before Spoken Words

First Gestures Before Spoken Words

Why Gestures Come Before Words Spoken language requires several capacities to coordinate: auditory perception, comprehension, symbolic representation, respiratory and vocal control, and precise oral-motor sequencing. Gestures draw heavily on visual attention, body movement, and social learning, so they may become meaningful before speech is physically and cognitively ready. A baby may understand a request or […]

Nonverbal communication children

Nonverbal communication children

What nonverbal communication means in childhood Nonverbal communication refers to the messages children send and receive without relying on spoken language alone. It includes eye contact, gaze shifts, facial expression, body orientation, posture, vocal quality, gestures such as pointing or showing, and the use of space and touch. In practice, these signals are often combined […]