Gesture in Language Development

Gesture plays a crucial role in language development, particularly in young children. As they learn to communicate, gestures like pointing, waving, or nodding help convey meaning before they can express themselves with words. These non-verbal cues support understanding and interaction, enabling children to share their thoughts and needs effectively. Research shows that children who use gestures tend to develop better vocabularies and language skills. In essence, gestures serve as a bridge between non-verbal communication and spoken language, facilitating the learning process and helping young learners express themselves in the early stages of language acquisition.