Chapter 12 - Object Use, Communication, and Signs

Summary

Language acquisition is seen as having a plurality of functions that are themselves linked to a plurality of contexts beyond language without which its uses could not be understood. This chapter explains how the pragmatic perspective was introduced in early Cognitive development through the acquisition of language. In the study of early infancy, it is very common for objects to be treated as natural signs that lead to "natural and direct interpretations. The chapter discusses the Bruner's work in the 1970s, influenced by the philosophers of the linguistic turn. He introduced the idea of "pragmatic opportunism" which humans use when solving problems. Based on the work on triadic adult-infant-object interaction, the chapter highlights the importance of longitudinal, microgenetic and qualitative research, based on the processes of construction. The Peircien approach, which allows for the inclusion of objects and their uses within a semiotic reading, is also discussed.