What is the role of imitation in human cognition?

What is the role of imitation in human cognition?

Imitation is very important, helpfull and advanced behaviour in human cognition and our everyday life. It means that we observe carefully and replicate others actions (moves,behavours etc.) That is one way of learning for human beingns.

It also for the transfer of information and thus, continuing the culture and traditions (social learning). By repeating the customs and habits of people we live among we help the tradition and generations to carry on without the need for genetic inheritance.

Interesting is the fact that, infants have the ability to reveal an understanding of certain outcomes before they occur, therefore in this sense they can somewhat imitate what they have already perceived.