Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-94fs2 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-14T10:23:59.881Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

What's behind the smile?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 December 2010

John J. Ohala
Affiliation:
Department of Linguistics, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-2650. ohala@berkeley.eduhttp://linguistics.berkeley.edu/phonlab/users/ohala/index3.html

Abstract

Many species' non-threat facial expression involves an open mouth and retracted lip corners – the smile. This served to make an accompanying vocalization sound like it originated from a smaller vocalizer. That such signals are deceptive and benefit primarily the signaler undermines the notion that the perception of the smile employs embodied simulation of the smiler's state.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2010

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Andrew, R. J. (1963) The origin and evolution of the calls and facial expressions of the primates. Behaviour 20:1109.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bolwig, N. (1964) Facial expressions in primates with remarks on a parallel development in certain carnivores (A preliminary report on work in progress). Behaviour 22:167–92.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Campos, J. J., Mumme, D., Kermoian, R. & Campos, R. G. (1994) A functionalist perspective on the nature of emotion. The Japanese Journal of Research on Emotions 2(1):120.Google Scholar
Darwin, C. (1872) The expression of the emotions in man and animals. John Murray.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Eibl-Eibesfeldt, I. (1971) Love and hate: The natural history of behavior patterns. Holt, Rinehard & Winston.Google Scholar
Izard, C. (1971) The face of emotion. Appleton Century Crofts.Google Scholar
Morton, E. W. (1977) On the occurrence and significance of motivation-structural rules in some bird and mammal sounds. American Naturalist 111:855–69.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ohala, J. J. (1984) An ethological perspective on common cross-language utilization of F0 of voice. Phonetica 41:116.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed