NONVERBAL INDEPENDENCE

Cheek Flanges

Principle. The idea that nonverbal signs, signals, and cues evolve separately--as information--apart from the evolution of matter or energy.

Usage: Nonverbal independence is a reminder that messages emitted by gestures, clothing styles, and consumer products, e.g., have "lives of their own," not unlike the secondary products of aromatic herbs and medicinal plants. The mouth-like shape of an automobile's vehicular grille, for instance, evolved apart from the vehicle's energy, mechanical, or safety needs.

Cheek flange. A dramatic example of nonverbal independence is the conspicuous cheek flange of the adult male orangutan, which evolved solely for purposes of communication (see MESSAGING FEATURE, Biology).

See also AROMA CUE, HERBS & SPICES.

Copyright 1998 - 2016 (David B. Givens/Center for Nonverbal Studies)
Photo of the late, great orangutan, Ken Allen (copyright Zoological Society of San Diego)