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The embodiment and disembodiment of language

Nature Reviews Psychology volume 2, page 391 (2023)Cite this article

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Linguists, psychologists and neuroscientists have long debated how the mind and the brain process and store the vast array of meanings that language can convey. One proposal that has gained traction in the past two decades is the embodiment view. Under this perspective, bodily experiences contribute to language semantics, which predicts that brain regions devoted to perception and action also have a role in language comprehension.

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References

Original article

  • Montero-Melis, G. et al. No evidence for embodiment: the motor system is not needed to keep action verbs in working memory. Cortex 150, 108–125 (2022)

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Related articles

  • Shebani, Z. & Pulvermüller, F. Moving the hands and feet specifically impairs working memory for arm-and leg-related action words. Cortex 49, 222–231 (2013)

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  • Solana, P. & Santiago, J. Does the involvement of motor cortex in embodied language comprehension stand on solid ground? A p-curve analysis and test for excess significance of the TMS and tDCS evidence. Neurosci. Biobehav. Rev. 141, 104834 (2022)

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Granada, Granada, Spain

    Pablo Solana

  2. Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain

    Pablo Solana

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  1. Pablo Solana
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Correspondence to Pablo Solana.

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The author declares no competing interests.

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Solana, P. The embodiment and disembodiment of language. Nat Rev Psychol 2, 391 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44159-023-00203-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s44159-023-00203-x

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