An Explicit Formulation of the Relationship Between Tool-Using, Tool-Making, and Emergence of Langua

Abstract

If man’s propositional language did not begin with speech, but with a manual gesture or sign-language system, a plausible model can be built in which tool-making and tool-using play an important part in language emergence. Even in modern speaking cultures, we learn to use tools or weapons mainly by observation of their use by others, and by signs and gestures—rather than through speech. The motor and neural elements involved in manipulation of objects and in gestural communication are very similar. The fundamental visual basis of human cognition is stressed.