An Early Intervention in Gestural Communication in Chilean Children from Psychosocially At-Risk Backgrounds and Its Impact on Language Skills at 18 Months Old

Abstract

The emergence of symbolic gestures is a solid milestone in early childhood development. Interventions that intentionally promote them have contributed to children’s language, cognitive, and socioemotional development. However, these studies have mainly been conducted in the USA with middle-SES families, and such research has considerably decreased in recent years. This study aimed to assess the effects of an intentional intervention for promoting symbolic gestures in the expressive and comprehensive language of Chilean children who were aged 18 months. Sixty-nine highly psychosocially at-risk children were assessed at 5–9 months and then at 18 months. Teachers from half of the nurseries involved in the study received the intervention. The assessment included a report on the children’s gestural vocabulary, the CDI, and the language scale of BSID-III. The results showed that the children in the intervention group had a significantly greater gestural vocabulary at 18 months and they performed better in their expressive language than the children in the control group did. Additionally, this study aimed to analyze if this intervention affected children differentially in consideration of their language development (adequate and at-risk). The results showed that children with adequate development improved their language when they received the intervention, but those from the at-risk group did not. The implications of these results for the design of interventions at an early age are discussed while considering children from different sociocultural backgrounds and with different language development.

Nonverbal Communication, Silence and Cultural expressions in Jean-Paul Sartre’s literary Concept: A Philosophical Language and Art View

“…Sartre's works often explore existential themes through both verbal and nonverbal communication. Farkas's (2024) research offers empirical support for the significance of nonverbal communication, particularly symbolic gestures, in the development of language and cognitive abilities, mirroring the symbolic utilisation of nonverbal elements evident in Sartre's narratives. Just as gestures enhance communication and understanding in children, nonverbal cues in Sartre's literature deepen the philosophical and existential layers of his characters and themes.…”

“…Sartre often challenges cultural conventions, and understanding the nonverbal communication within these contexts can offer deeper perspectives into his critique of society. Similarly, Farkas's (2024) study on symbolic gestures aligned with the examination of silence and nonverbal communication in Sartre's literature. In Sartre's plays and novels, silence often speaks volumes, conveying existential angst, isolation, and unspoken tensions.…”

“…Furthermore, the study by Farkas (2024), discussed nonverbal communication through the lens of early childhood development. This evaluation drew parallels to the research problem in context-specific to this study.…”

“…This evaluation drew parallels to the research problem in context-specific to this study. Farkas's (2024) research investigated the impact of early interventions aimed at promoting symbolic gestures on the language skills of at-risk Chilean children. The study involved 69 children, aged 5-9 months at the start, who were assessed again at 18 months.…”

“…This was particularly relevant to Sartre's exploration of cultural expressions in his works. Farkas's (2024) findings that culturally specific gestures could lead to misunderstandings or mirroring effects underscore the necessity of cultural awareness, which is critical when analysing Sartre's portrayal of societal norms and existential dilemmas. Sartre often challenges cultural conventions, and understanding the nonverbal communication within these contexts can offer deeper perspectives into his critique of society.…”