Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2005
Journal / Book Title
Cognition
Abstract
We explored the linguistic encoding of Paths in children between the ages of three and seven, in children with Williams syndrome, and in normal adults, focusing specifically on Source and Goal Paths. The results showed an asymmetry, with Goal Paths regularly and systematically encoded, but Source Paths often omitted. This pattern occurred among all groups and across a broad range of domains including Manner of Motion, Change of Possession, Change of State, and Attachment/Detachment events. It also occurred whether participants spontaneously described events or were asked to use a specific verb that biased them towards a Goal or Source Path (e.g. 'give' vs. 'get'). The results are discussed in terms of non-linguistic foundations of spatial language and the linguistic mapping biases that arise when we describe what we see.
DOI
10.1016/j.cognition.2004.03.009
MSU Digital Commons Citation
Lakusta, Laura and Landau, Barbara, "Starting at the End: The Importance of Goals in Spatial Language" (2005). Department of Psychology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works. 459.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/psychology-facpubs/459
Published Citation
Lakusta, L., & Landau, B. (2005). Starting at the end: The importance of goals in spatial language. Cognition, 96(1), 1-33.