ISSN (E): 2181-4570 ResearchBib Impact Factor: 6,4 / 2024 SJIF 2024 = 5.073/Volume-3, Issue-2
171
THE ROLE OF GESTURE IN COMMUNICATION AS STUDY OF NORMAL
LANGUAGE
Scientific supervisor: Karimova Iroda
Student: Xushmurodova Dilnura
Karshi State University
Abstract
Gesture is one of the most significant features and plays a main role in our life when we
interact with one another. Gesture represents to communicate through not only moving
hand which expresses the special words, but also reflecting something, such as anger,
happiness, sadness and more, on our face. In other words, gesture is a silent yet powerful
language that conveys emotions, intentions, and messages without needing spoken words.
It is an intrinsic part of our daily interactions, enhancing and often clarifying the spoken
language. Understanding gestural communication can lead to clearer exchanges and
provide insight into unspoken feelings or thought. For instance, people useFor instance,
people use gestures to indicate direction, signal urgency or express complex emotions.
These types of gesture exist especially in infants and toddlers. Because they unaware to
speak in their native or another language. This article provides with the special
informations about the role of gestures in communication, in children’s life as well as the
types of gestures.
Key words:
Gesture, emblem gestures, regulators, adaptors, hand gestures, eye contact,
nonverbal communication, positive div language, negative div language, eye gaze,
haptics, appearance.
Introduction
Gesture is a fundamental part of language that serves to give meaningful and unique
information to a spoken message and experiences. The proportion of the theoretical speech
and gesture shares widespread conceptual origin and has a tightly integrated relationship,
overlapping in time and enriches the function of communicative context. When people
talk, they move their hands to convince others with their act or to express their opinion or
ISSN (E): 2181-4570 ResearchBib Impact Factor: 6,4 / 2024 SJIF 2024 = 5.073/Volume-3, Issue-2
172
ideas which cannot be explained with words. Spontaneous hand movements produced in
rhythm with speech are called co-speech gestures and naturally accompany all spoken
language. People from all of the world aware of what is gesture and what is the meaning
of hand movements or facial expressions. It is clear that babies are the fundamental
humankind that utilize gestures to express their needs or words. Gesture provides a variety
of functions and overlaps with speech in both time and meaning. However, gesture differs
from speech in notable ways. Gesture conveys information holistically, spatially and often
simultaneously in a single event.
Methods
Before looking into gestures, it is the vital to analyse the classification of gestures
types. The first attempt to clarify gestures was made by Efron in 1972 who posited heaps
of gesture classification including those of deistic, iconic, metaphorical and symbolic
nature in literature.
With the help of this theory, Ekman and Friesen created variety of gestures, such as
illustrator, emblem, affective, adaptor and regulator gestures.
These are called nonverbal
cues which are movements of the div or limbs that convey messages.
•
The first version of the gesture is called
kinesrics
. It is the study of div language
used in nonverbal communication. This includes facial expressions, postures and
other div movements. Every movement of the div indicates the emotion or
intentions, like a nod generally represents agreement.
•
The second type is
emblematic gestures
or
emblems
are nonverbal cues with a
direct verbal equivalent and are understood within a cultural group. Take a thumbs
up as an example, often means approval or success.
•
The third one is called
the illustrator gestures
are message gestures that assess to
emphasize or clarify the spoken words. A person might use a chopping motion to
underline a point during a conversation or indicate a small size by pinching fingers
close together.
•
The fourth is
regulators
are essential for smooth conversations. People use subtle
signals like nodding or raising a hand to let others know if they should keep talking
or pause. These cues help keep the conversation flowing naturally.
ISSN (E): 2181-4570 ResearchBib Impact Factor: 6,4 / 2024 SJIF 2024 = 5.073/Volume-3, Issue-2
173
•
The fifth is
adaptors
often called manipulator gestures involve touching or
influencing one’s div or objects. These gestures are usually accomplished
unconsciously and can indicate feelings of comfort or discomfort. An example
includes individuals playing with their hair or tapping a pen while thinking.
Gesture
Type
Function
Example
Emblems
Equivalent of
words
Thumbs
up for an
approval
Illustrators Accompany
speech
Using
hands to
indicate
size
Adaptors
Respond
to
physical
or
psychological
needs
Stretching
an itch
Regulators Maintain
conversational
control
Nodding
to signal
agreement
Affect
displays
Convey
emotion
Smiling to
show
happiness
The
types
of
nonverbal
communication
Nonverbal communication is a way of sharing information without using vocabularies. It
can involve things like facial expressions, hand gestures, eye contact, how close we stand
ISSN (E): 2181-4570 ResearchBib Impact Factor: 6,4 / 2024 SJIF 2024 = 5.073/Volume-3, Issue-2
174
to someone and other unspoken cues to acquire our message across. These encompass
facial expressions, eye gaze, appearance and div language.
1)
Facial expressions- are major part of how we communicate without using words.
Often, the first thing we notice about someone is their facial expressions, even
before we hear them speak. Although people’s nonverbal communication and
behaviour tend to vary dramatically between cultures, the facial expressions
happiness, sadness, anger and fear are actually the same throughout the world.
2)
Eye gaze- the eyes play a role in nonverbal communication with such things as
looking, starring and blinking, being important cues. For example, when we come
across people or things ,that we are into, our rate of blinking increases and our
pupils dilate.
People’ s eyes can express a wide range of emotions, such as hostility, interest and
attraction, we also use eye contact to judge someone’s honesty. Steady eye contact
is often seen as a sign of truthfulness and truthfulness, while shift eyes and avoiding
eye contact are often associated with lying or deception.
3)
Appearance – the way we dress, style our hair, and manage our overall appearance
serves as a form of nonverbal communication. Studies in colour psychology reveal
that colours have the power to influence emotions and moods. Additionally, our
physiological responses, perceptions and interpretations. For example, a person
wearing a formal suit to a job interview conveys professionalism and confidence.
Another example is that the colour red, which sales usually use to grab attention, is
often associated with passion, energy or urgency.
4)
Body language- can also provide us with great information. Research on div
language has grown significantly since the 1970s, with popular media focusing on
the over interpretation of defensive postures, such as arm-crossing and leg-crossing,
especially after the publication of Julius Fast’s book ‘’Body language “
While these nonverbal communication can indicate feelings and attitudes, div
language is often subtle and less definitive than previously believed.
Body language divides into two groups: positive div language and negative div
language.
ISSN (E): 2181-4570 ResearchBib Impact Factor: 6,4 / 2024 SJIF 2024 = 5.073/Volume-3, Issue-2
175
Positive div language
encompasses a wide range of nonverbal communication that
demonstrates frankness, amiability, confidence. For instance:
•
Smiles and Open posture: A genuine smile and an open div posture, such as
uncrossed arms and legs, can make us appear approachable and happy. This
combination of a pleasant facial expression and a relaxed stance is a universal
sign of positive nonverbal communication.
•
Direct Eye contact – maintaining eye contact with others shows that we are
interested and attentive. It is an essential component of positive language,
signaling that we are engaged in the interaction.
•
Nodding – a nod can presents agreement, understanding or encouragement. It
can also be used to keep the conversation flowing and to show that we are
actively listening.
Negative Body language-
conversely consists of gestures and expressions that may signify
discomfort, disinterest or disagreement. Some examples of poor div language include:
•
Crossed arms and legs: this could mean the person is defensive or closed off and
might not be open to the conversation or the people around them.
•
Avoiding Eye contact: lack of eye contact often means a person is trying to hide
something or isn’t engaged in the current interaction.
•
Facial expressions: frowning, furrowed brows, and grimaces are classic examples
of poor div language that can convey negative emotions such as anger, anxiety or
doubt.
Result and discussion
The meaning of Hand Gestures around the world.
Hand gestures are an integral part of communication particularly if we are speaking in a
foreign language. They are great way of making sure we’re getting our point across and
underpin what we are trying to say. Many travellers will also use hand gestures as a means
of nonverbal communication when traveling in countries where they do not speak the local
language. Be aware through not all hand gestures have the same meaning in all countries.
Without understanding the main meaning of gestures in different cultures can cause to
several issues, like insults and even violence. Due to the fact that it is straightforward to
ISSN (E): 2181-4570 ResearchBib Impact Factor: 6,4 / 2024 SJIF 2024 = 5.073/Volume-3, Issue-2
176
make a mistake without understanding the meaning of gesture which are part of our daily
communication habit.
Thumbs up
The usage of hand gesture thumbs up has been using for thousands of years in our daily
communication. It represents for approval or agreement that is in common, especially in
European and American cultures as a sign of approval or that things are going according
to the plan. This gesture is commonly used in social media and customer service to
indicate satisfaction.
However, in many Islamic and Asian countries, it is considered a major insult.
The “V” for victory
This hand gesture, where the palm faces outward, is widely recognised as a symbol of
place, especially since the Vietnam War and the hippie era. However, in many countries
outside the US, if the palm faces inward, it’s considered a rude insult. Take George W.
Bush as an example, he made this mistake when visiting Australia and the gesture was
also offensive in the UK and South Africa. But this gesture has been utilizing as a sign of
peace in many countries.
The OK
The OK sign, which is made by curling the index finger over the thumb and extending the
other fingers above them, is another fairly common hand gesture in America and most of
the English speaking world, meaning that everything is going well and according to plan.
However, in Latin America the gesture is considered to be extremely rude as Richard
Nixon discovered after flashing it to a large crowd of Brazilians awaiting his arrival in
Rio de Janeiro.
In France, this gesture is also considered an insult; in Australia this gesture means “zero”;
in New Zealand the user is basically considered to be “lazy”.
Pointing Finger
In the early 2000s, pointing with our finger became a friendly gesture in the USA, like
saying “ Hey, you’re cool!”. But before that, it was generally considered a bit rude. In
ISSN (E): 2181-4570 ResearchBib Impact Factor: 6,4 / 2024 SJIF 2024 = 5.073/Volume-3, Issue-2
177
Japan, Indonesia and many Latin American countries, this gesture considered a bit rude,
in many African countries, it’s best to point at objects, not people.
Fingers Crossed
In the United States, crossing fingers is a common gesture to express hope and wish for
good luck. But in Vietnam, crossing our fingers is considered a vulgar and rude gesture ,
as it is associated with a part of the female anatomy.
The
Come
here
Gesture
In the US and some other English speaking countries curling the index finger toward the
palm of the hand is used to summon someone towards you. In movies the gesture is
frequently used by a female character as a way of tempting a man.
However, in other countries this gesture is also called the dog call and as the name
implies should not be used to summon humans. Using the gesture in the Philippines it is
one of the most offensive gestures that can result in the user’s arrest of even having his
finger broken as a punishment. The Japanese also consider the gesture to be rude. In
Singapore the gestures is used to mean “death”.
The Corona hand gesture
This gesture which consists of the index and little finger pointing upwards and the
two middle fingers curled toward the palm has a wide variety of meanings . During the
last few decades it has been used by hard rock bands and their fans as a symbol of approval
or enjoyment.
In many European countries it is the sign of the devil; whereas it is a positive sign
in both Hinduism and Buddhism.
In many ways the world is becoming “smaller”. People are far more mobile than at
any time in our history. Both business and personal travel are increasing. Additionally,
virtual conferences and meetings using platforms such as Skype or GoToMeeting are
increasingly a part of daily business life.
ISSN (E): 2181-4570 ResearchBib Impact Factor: 6,4 / 2024 SJIF 2024 = 5.073/Volume-3, Issue-2
178
Conclusion
Gestures play a fundamental role in human communication, complementing and
sometimes even substituting for spoken language. Throughout this study, we have
examined how gestures function as an integral component of normal language,
contributing to meaning-making, enhancing comprehension, and facilitating social
interaction. From simple hand movements that emphasize spoken words to complex sign
languages that serve as primary modes of communication, gestures are deeply embedded
in human cognition and expression.One of the key findings in our discussion is that
gestures and speech are not separate entities but rather work together in a synchronized
manner. Research in psycholinguistics and neurolinguistics has demonstrated that
gestures arise from the same cognitive and neural processes that govern spoken language.
This interconnectedness suggests that gestures are not merely auxiliary tools but are
instead a natural extension of verbal communication. In fact, studies have shown that
gestures can aid in language development, improve recall, and even serve as a bridge in
situations where spoken communication is limited, such as in multilingual settings or
when speech is impaired.Additionally, gestures function as powerful social tools that
enhance interpersonal communication. Nonverbal cues such as hand gestures, facial
expressions, and div movements provide additional layers of meaning, reinforcing
spoken messages and making interactions more dynamic. In various cultural contexts,
gestures take on unique meanings, reflecting societal norms and traditions. The study of
gestures in different languages and cultures highlights their role in shaping
communication patterns, emphasizing the importance of nonverbal communication in
human interaction.Another significant aspect of gestures in language is their role in
cognitive processing. Gestures are not merely performative but are actively involved in
shaping thought. When people use gestures, they often find it easier to articulate complex
ideas, suggesting that gesture and cognition are deeply intertwined. This connection is
particularly evident in language acquisition, where children use gestures before they
develop full verbal proficiency. Furthermore, individuals with speech impairments, such
as aphasia patients, often rely on gestures to express themselves, demonstrating that
gestures serve as a compensatory mechanism for verbal deficits.Moreover, the study of
gestures has implications beyond linguistics, influencing fields such as artificial
intelligence, human-computer interaction, and education. The integration of gesture
ISSN (E): 2181-4570 ResearchBib Impact Factor: 6,4 / 2024 SJIF 2024 = 5.073/Volume-3, Issue-2
179
recognition technology in digital communication and virtual environments highlights the
increasing recognition of gestures as a valid and necessary component of communication.
In education, gesture-based teaching strategies have been shown to enhance learning
outcomes, particularly in subjects that require spatial understanding, such as mathematics
and science.
In conclusion, gestures are an essential and inseparable part of normal language.
They enhance verbal communication, bridge linguistic gaps, and contribute to cognitive
processes. As research continues to explore the intricate relationship between gestures and
speech, it becomes increasingly clear that language is not confined to words alone. A
deeper understanding of gestures can lead to advancements in communication strategies,
language teaching, and even technology. Recognizing and valuing the role of gestures in
communication will allow for more effective, inclusive, and enriched human interactions
across different linguistic and cultural landscapes.
References
1.
Aman Kelmaganbetova, Shara Mazhitayeva, Bakhyt Ayazbayeva, Gulbaram
Khamzina (2023). “The role of gesture in communication”. Academy publication
2.
Deutsche Welle (2025).”Common gestures with different meanings around the
world” Hindustan times press
3.
Kathleen Crislip (2024). “Hand gestures in the world with more than one meaning”
tripsavvy press
4.
Elizabeth Perry (2023). “ Learn types of gestures and their meanings to improve
your communication”
better up press
5.
Ryan Smith(2019). “Gestural communication, examples: decoding nonverbal
signals in everyday” . Training outlook press
6.
Kendra Cherry (2023) “Types of nonverbal communication”. Very well mind press
7.
Sharice Clough, Melissa C. Duff (2020). “ The role of gesture in communication
and cognition”. Frontiers press
