EMBODIED COGNITION An old-new approach to the relationship between movement and language

Abstract

Background and objectives: In the treatment of language delay/disorder, a common question is how somatosensory, and motor experiences influence the formation of mental representations and the development of language symbols. The aim of this paper is to present the embodied cognition (EC) approach and to summarize the evidence related to the neurological and language development and language treatment. Main question: how can the EC approach contribute to the development of the principles of language developmental programmes?

Method: To map the EC approach and related evidence, we used the scoping review method. This choice is justified by the novelty of the topic, the diversity of the literature, the need for conceptual clarification and the diversity of the evidence available (Peters et al., 2015).

Results: A phenomenological approach to the mind–body relationship is the core issue of EC. Different schools of EC formulate very different criteria for the nature of this relationship. Neurobiological and psycholinguistic research have revealed new connections between different levels of the somatosensory hierarchy, showing fine-tuning of development and its cascade-like linkage with symbolic representations, including language.

Conclusions: A balanced approach of the EC, free from extremes, and related research findings allow a reinterpretation of the traditional movement–speech and movement–language relationship, and the recognition of the subtle interrelationships of interdependent processes. Our evidence are still incomplete, yet this post-cognitive framework may provide a more sophisticated perspective for formulating the principles of language treatment procedures.