Another reason you don't need to apologize for using gestures when talking to a blind person

[kestrell]

It's not unusual for people to apologize for finding themselves using gestures while talking to me, although I always assure them that, being Italian, I get it.

Here is an article that explores the theory that gestures and other body movements are an integral part of learning language itself, and that making related gestures can improve language learning
https://www.quantamagazine.org/how-the-brain-links-gestures-perception-and-meaning-20190325/

Comments

[jesse_the_k]

Thanks for introducing me to Quanta Magazine. I'm intrigued by the mentioned of "mirror-neuron" critics--though not surprised. Scientists rarely get it right the first time.

I can report from extensive first hand experience, however, that humans aren't the only species that understands pointing: canines are experts. I can point across the room (with bonus eye gaze) and Bella will go hunting right there. I knew a disabled person who directed their service dog with eye gaze.

I didn't realize you were Italian! This explains ... nothing in particular.

I submit there's one case where gesturing with blind people is less than useful: when providing directions. I used to watch sighted folks poking their fingers somewhere harder and harder, while saying, It's there it's There it's THERE!

[kestrell]

Re directions: most people are just poor at giving directions, or explaining anything spatial at all. In my experience, ninety percent of them will consistently mix up right and left and, yes, that's even including when they are facing the same direction as I am. One of my housemates, who is a very smart person and a grad of MIT, will use words like "farther" instead of "back," and other weird choices that I can't even figure out.And yes, it's particularly frustrating because people will just keep using the same poor word choices instead of trying another way of explaining it.

[kestrell]

Being Italian does explain my body type and the fact that I naturally prefer a Mediterranean-style of eating, lots of pasta and veggies and *real* bread, not the stuff Americans call bread. Also, when I have a party, there needs to be lots of food. As an aside: I've often wondered what it's like being deaf in Italy, I mean, is there less of a stigma using sign language, because everyone gestures? You can see videos of people doing Italian sign language on Youtube, friends tell me it's a hoot.

[jesse_the_k]

Oh nifty! A new YT sinkhole :,)