Embodied and situated language processing: Learning

This opening chapter establishes the theoretical foundations of embodied and situated language processing, examining how language learning is fundamentally grounded in physical experience and environmental context. The embodied dimension of language learning is explored through three interconnected components: the power of sensory experience in shaping linguistic understanding, the crucial relationship between movement and meaning construction, and the emotional grounding that underlies language acquisition. These components are examined both individually and through their integrated functioning in creating a comprehensive embodied learning system. The chapter then addresses the situated nature of language learning, emphasizing how environmental dynamics shape acquisition processes. It highlights the critical importance of complex, interactive environments and examines how multiple input sources—including speakers, environmental cues, and individual experiences—contribute to language development. A significant portion focuses on acquisition within a multimodal language framework, exploring the inherently multimodal nature of language acquisition, the pivotal role of gestures in spoken language development, and valuable insights drawn from sign language acquisition research. The chapter also examines the distinctive characteristics of embodied second language (L2) acquisition, covering authentic learning contexts that progress from transitional activities to collaborative engagement, multimodal integration strategies, and developmental responsiveness in L2 learning. Finally, the chapter presents current research approaches to embodied and situated language learning, including experimental paradigms conducted in natural contexts, and, crucially, the promising applications of virtual reality in bridging laboratory and real-world settings.