Embodied language: A review of the role of the motor system in language comprehension

Martin H. Fischer, Rolf A. Zwaan

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    603 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    A growing body of research suggests that comprehending verbal descriptions of actions relies on an internal simulation of the described action. To assess this motor resonance account of language comprehension, we first review recent developments in the literature on perception and action, with a view towards language processing. We then examine studies of language processing from an action simulation perspective. We conclude by discussing several criteria that might be helpful with regard to assessing the role of motor resonance during language comprehension.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)825-850
    Number of pages26
    JournalQuarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology
    Volume61
    Issue number6
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jun 2008

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