What nearly all languages have in common—whether you speak or sign

By University of Chicago

Image: Henry Gleitman

Above is a depiction of “John and Mary kiss each other,” described as two reciprocal events. The distinction between symmetrical and reciprocal events may be intrinsic to the development of language, a new study finds.

If you hear someone say "John and Mary kiss," you'd likely imagine a single symmetrical action. But hear them say "John and Mary kiss each other," and you may construe an entirely different picture—one in which the parties reciprocate with two separate actions, kissing the other's hand.

A distinction this subtle might not seem important, yet it appears across nearly all spoken languages.

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