gesture

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gesture Part of George Herbert Mead's theory of the self. A gesture is the act of an organism which stimulates a response on the part of other organisms: a dog growling may provoke another dog to growl, and a ‘conversation of gestures’ ensues. Such responses are merely impulsive or instinctive for most animals; among humans, the process depends upon significant symbols and vocal gestures, which call up more complex reflective responses.

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