The role of language in emotion: existing evidence and future directions

In this manuscript, I briefly outline contemporary psychological constructionist approaches to the study of emotion, which hypothesize that language is an 'ingredient' in the creation of emotional perceptions and experiences. I then review recent neuroimaging, behavioral, and lesion evidence that emotion words ('anger,' 'disgust,' 'fear') are crucial to the perception and experience of emotions. Finally, I look to future directions for more causal evidence that language is important in emotion.