Hand gestures are forms of nonverbal communication. As with other forms of nonverbal communication, hand gestures are innate, redundant and non-rules bound. While gesturing and posturing are humans’ first form of communication, hand gestures are generally learned side-by-side with language to form meaning(s). Hand gestures are culturally significant; one hand gesture may possess various meanings or connote various feelings, objects and exclamations.
Why humans actually began gesturing is still debated today by researchers; however, it can be concluded that it’s part of performative communication to stress what we’re trying to communicate. Hand gestures can supplement what we’re verbally saying (such as using air quotes to talk about a silly family tradition) or they can signify a word or phrase on their own (such as the middle finger).
What’s cool is that we can say so much with just one hand gesture. And for me, I love using my hands so that’s a win-win.
Do you realize how often you use hand gestures? Think about it!
*Side note: Hand gestures are different than sign language. Sign language may include hand gestures and meanings per their spoken language equivalent, but hand gestures on their own are not a replacement.
Image description: Allison is giving the V-Sign hand gesture at the camera.