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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

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