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Chapter 7 - Abstractness and Language as an Inner Tool

from Part II - Abstractness and Language

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 July 2023

Anna M. Borghi
Anna M. Borghi
Affiliation:
University of Rome
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Summary

Chapter 7 shows that abstract concepts are inner/cognitive tools. Inner speech is potent in enhancing our cognition, imagination, and motivation. In this chapter, I propose that we use inner speech more extensively with more abstract concepts, during both their acquisition and use, while monitoring our knowledge during their processing and referring to others to complement and enrich it. I review several studies with children and adults showing that the mouth motor system is more engaged during abstract concept acquisition and elaboration. This mouth activation suggests that language is implicitly activated during abstract language processing. Also, while low numbers engage the hand effector more, the processing of larger numbers might involve language, hence the mouth, more extensively. I overview research on the neural underpinning of abstract concepts, which confirms the importance of linguistic and social neural networks for their representation. Finally, I illustrate studies on abstractness in conditions characterized by impairments in social interaction and inner and overt speech abilities, such as autism, schizophrenia, and aphasia. Overall, the studies reviewed support the idea of a determinant role of language as an inner tool supporting the acquisition and use of abstract concepts.

Keywords

abstract concepts and inner speechmouth motor systeminner social metacognitionsocial metacognitionleft inferior frontal gyrusanterior temporal lobe (ATL)semantic dementiaschizophreniaaphasiaautism
Type
Chapter
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The Freedom of Words
Abstractness and the Power of Language
 , pp. 209 - 254
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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