Sign-sentence theory: A method of encoding and decoding nonverbal communication.

Abstract

Sign-sentence theory is developed as a translating and decoding method for nonverbal communication. The theory incorporates those of White (1982) and Carroll (1986), and draws support from Vygotsky (1934/1962). White's theory parallels the phases of development of human infants with other mammalians providing a phylogenetic origin of communication. Carroll's theory shows congruence in the communication of infants and gives evidence of the translating of nonverbal statements to verbal statements by the child him/herself in development. This translating technique is presented with the socio-historical support of Vygotsky's theory (1934/1962) and the linguistic research of Hirsh-Pasek and Golinkoff (1991) as evidence to support the decoding of samples of nonverbal communication of children. Three studies are provided: One preschool laboratory observational study; one decoding study of a nonverbal dance in a children's reading group recorded by McDermott, Gospodinoff, and Aron (1981); and one adult-infant interaction recorded by Braunwald (1983). This new theory brings insight to the origin of communication and language. It can provide an efficient decoding device for researchers in the field of communication and related fields who study child language.