The Importance of Gestures in English Language Learning

I always wondered why expressions played such a crucial role in our lives whenever I had to convey something. With time, I realized that anything conveyed with the lack of emotions and expressions does not create the required impact in someone’s mind. That’s how I understood the importance of gestures in English Language Learning.

Here’s how gestures impact English language learning

Communication Skills Enhancement

When a learner incorporates gestures in the learning, it helps the learners to express themselves more effectively. They communicate better by bridging the gaps between the speaker and the listener. It covers both verbal and non-verbal communication.

Development of sensitivity towards culture

Gestures show a variety of cultural nuances, symbols, and their meanings. The usage of appropriate gestures can help language learners navigate cultural contexts, promoting cross-cultural understanding and a lot of sensitivity towards them.

Non-Verbal Expression

The learner can express deeply using non-verbal expression as it brings out their emotions and feelings which helps them convey their thoughts in a more meaningful manner.

Engagement of Multiple Senses

When a learner uses gestures in the learning of the English language, he tends to involve all of the senses while doing the gestures. It makes the process more dynamic and interactive. It helps to enhance the overall learning process.

Enhancement of memory

Whenever a word or a phrase is associated with a gesture and backed by any physical movement then it increases the chances of retention. The learner is more likely to remember such words and phrases for a longer duration.

Verbal Expression

The use of gestures supports the verbal expression as well. At times, words cannot play the role alone and that’s when gestures bring a lot of emphasis to certain points, highlight some areas of their speech, etc. This helps in conveying them in a more meaningful way.

Boost in confidence

Learning the skill of using gestures can have a great impact on the building up of the confidence of the child or the learner. The comfort in expressing themselves with non-verbal expression brings positive changes in their outlook and their overall personality.

Minimise Language barriers

When there is a language barrier and the vocabulary is limited, appropriate gestures can help in conveying the messages and overcome the language barrier.

Makes ready for real time Communication

In the real world, gestures are commonly used in English Communication. Adapting them at an early stage prepares them for authentic interactions and makes them more adaptable and effective communicators.

Gestures add life to the words and phrases that would have been dull without them. It brings out the emotions, can make a speech emphatic and the speaker and listener can sympathize with each other. This is from personal experience, as when I incorporated gestures using physical movements, I could feel that I was able to grab the attention of the listener quickly. If I were to use only words, it would not catch the audience’s focus very well as something will always be missing in that case. It’s like a dish prepared without any salt or spices. 

So, do you want your language learning to be a scrumptious dish with all the adequate spices or just a dull one without any taste?

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