Gesture By about 9 months of age, before they start walking or talking, humans begin to gesture. Of course, they gesture right after birth too, but the gestures start to carry meaning after about 9 months. Gestures are fascinating. No other animal gestures. Even animals with hands don’t.

In conversations, people gesture unconsciously. Watching someone’s gestures reveals more of their intentions. Sometimes, we caress a child’s head or touch a loved one without saying a word. Gestures can convey more meaning than words. One gesture can bring us closer, and one gesture can push us apart.

Gesture, meaning, intentions