Ostensive: Difference between revisions
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== Development == | == Development == | ||
The first ostensive was the [[Originary Sign|originary sign]]. On the [[Originary Scene|originary scene]], members of the group collectively issued the [[Originary Sign|originary sign]] (aborted gesture of appropriation), initially as an instinctual gesture inhibited by fear of the others in the group. The [[Originary Sign|originary sign]] did not become an ostensive until, after observing the symmetry of the group, it was performed deliberately, as a voluntary gesture to other members of the group signaling they have nothing to fear or defend against, while designating the central object of desire as the cause of the gesture. | The first ostensive was the [[Originary Sign|originary sign]]. On the [[Originary Scene|originary scene]], members of the group collectively issued the [[Originary Sign|originary sign]] (aborted gesture of appropriation), initially as an instinctual gesture inhibited by fear of the others in the group. The [[Originary Sign|originary sign]] did not become an ostensive until, after observing the symmetry of the group, it was performed deliberately, as a voluntary gesture to other members of the group signaling they have nothing to fear or defend against, while designating the central object of desire as the cause of the gesture. | ||
An action is often warranted when an ostensive is issued (ex: when someone yells "Fire!" it is implied that you should quickly get to safety). | |||
== References == | == References == | ||
Gans, E. L., Katz, A. L. (2019). ''The Origin of Language: A New Edition'' | Gans, E. L., Katz, A. L. (2019). ''The Origin of Language: A New Edition'' | ||
Revision as of 04:03, 14 March 2023
An ostensive is a sign issued where and only where its signified is present on the scene. Ostensives are the most fundamental form of language: they necessarily preceded the development of the imperative and the declarative.
Examples
- Yelling "Fire!" in response to seeing a burning building.
- Pointing at an object.
- A baby's first words: "Mommy!" or "Daddy!"
Development
The first ostensive was the originary sign. On the originary scene, members of the group collectively issued the originary sign (aborted gesture of appropriation), initially as an instinctual gesture inhibited by fear of the others in the group. The originary sign did not become an ostensive until, after observing the symmetry of the group, it was performed deliberately, as a voluntary gesture to other members of the group signaling they have nothing to fear or defend against, while designating the central object of desire as the cause of the gesture.
An action is often warranted when an ostensive is issued (ex: when someone yells "Fire!" it is implied that you should quickly get to safety).
References
Gans, E. L., Katz, A. L. (2019). The Origin of Language: A New Edition
