Nicosia: A new research project at the University of Cyprus is exploring how movement and non-verbal communication shape human connection. Long before humans learn to speak, they communicate through bodily signs, which form a language inherent from the beginning of life. This EU-funded project, led by Dr. Janka Kormos, is hosted by the Department of English Studies and supported by a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the project examines the bodily foundations of language and investigates how early non-verbal interactions influence our developing sense of self, relationships with others, and the ways we make meaning. It integrates ideas from the humanities, movement studies, and psychotherapy, focusing on the works of Julia Kristeva and Judith S. Kestenberg. These theorists raise questions about how our earliest bodily exchanges shape our feelings, relationships, and meaning-making later in life, which is pertinent in today's multilingual and multicultural world.
The research aims to go beyond academia and into professional and community settings, supporting individuals whose experiences may be challenging to express verbally. This includes refugee women and children, as well as others facing linguistic or cultural barriers. A collaboration with the Association for Dance Therapy Cyprus will facilitate the sharing of research in clinical and psychosocial support settings. The project will also develop practical resources, such as an online Transdisciplinary Study Group, a practitioner's manual, and a policy proposal, to benefit those working in care, therapy, education, migration support, and community services.
At a time when societies are becoming increasingly multilingual, the project emphasizes the importance of communication beyond words. By focusing on rhythm, movement, and the body, more inclusive and responsive forms of support and exchange can be created. 'Before Words, There Is Rhythm' underscores that care can begin with presence, attention, and a willingness to listen differently.
Dr. Maria Margaroni, project supervisor and Associate Professor at the University of Cyprus, highlighted the project's contribution to Psychoanalytic Theory and the Medical Humanities. The Association of Dance Therapy Cyprus expressed its commitment to bridging academic research and therapeutic practice, promoting more inclusive ways to understand and support individuals whose experiences may not be easily articulated through words.