Prediction and embodiment in dialogue

We argue that embodiment (via use of action-based representations) plays a crucial role in dialogue. To illustrate the argument we use studies of language comprehension. We first compare two distinct literatures, one concerned with the activation of non-linguistic action-based representations of meaning, and the other with representations of linguistic form associated with language production. We then argue that both types of embodiment support emulation and prediction. Hence, such embodiment enables addressees to anticipate both what their partner is likely to say next and what she is likely to do. We conclude by suggesting that such anticipation is essential for fluent and timely social interactions. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.