Emotion preparedness: The foundation of emotional expressions

We all have emotions, but where do they come from? In this talk, I will present evidence that some emotional states are associated with discrete, innate expressions. I will draw on investigations of vocal expressions of emotions in non-human primates and congenitally deaf individuals, as well as across different cultures. These findings support the notion that emotional vocalisations are specialised adaptations that have evolved to help us deal with recurring challenges and opportunities, and are modulated by learning. I will argue that our understanding of what emotions are should include a functional perspective centred around emotion preparedness.