The role of objects in vocal communication and knowledge transfer in children

Humans often rely on objects to aid their communication. But despite our extensive knowledge of human social communication and the advantages that arguably come with using objects in rudimentary as well as complex forms of communication, object interactions still remain a poorly understood topic. For this work, I have developed a model that explains binary advantageous functions of object use as part of human social communication, i.e., to facilitate as well as enhance human nonverbal vocal communication and speech (facilitate-enhance object interaction model). The aim of this proposed PhD project is to examine communication with objects in children within natural social settings and to test the facilitate-enhance object interaction model. First, a descriptive taxonomy will be composed to assess object interactions between UK and Zambian children. Second, UK children of different ages will be compared to test for expected developmental changes in relation to the facilitate-enhance object interactions and language. Third, knowledge transfer of objects will be tested in UK children. The proposed study is likely to provide important insight on the multimodal development of object use, vocal communication and information acquisition in humans.