Compare the diagrams below:
| unmediated, direct, animal cognition |
| simple mediation in young children |
| complex mediation in which tools and signs interact |
The mediation of language (words, signs) allows the projection of goals that mediate ones own behavior.
When tool use is mediated by talking, we can remember, plan, question, describe, analyze, request assistance, view past/present/future as related, construct narratives, lie, etc. in orde to get things done.
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