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Abstract and concrete sentences, embodiment, and languages
Claudia Scorolli1, Ferdinand Binkofski, Giovanni Buccino
1Department of Psychology, University of Bologna Bologna, Italy.
Frontiers in Psychology
|September 29, 2011
Summary
Abstract words are processed in parallel systems, with concrete words favoring motor systems and abstract words favoring language systems. Linguistic experience significantly influences abstract word processing, confirming embodied theories.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Linguistics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Embodied theories explain word meaning through perception and action.
- Abstract words pose a challenge, with explanations involving introspection, metaphor, or sensorimotor grounding.
- Existing evidence is limited to specific domains, necessitating a broader approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the processing of abstract versus concrete words.
- To explore the role of sensorimotor and linguistic-social experiences in abstract word meaning.
- To test embodied theories by examining word processing across different linguistic contexts.
Main Methods:
- Combined concrete and abstract verbs with concrete and abstract nouns.
- Analyzed processing times for compatible (CC, AA) and mixed (CA, AC) word combinations.
- Utilized German and Italian languages to differentiate semantic meaning from grammatical class.
Main Results:
- Compatible word combinations (CC, AA) were processed faster than mixed combinations (CA, AC).
- Mixed combinations where concrete words preceded abstract words (CA) showed faster processing.
- Processing speed varied based on word abstractness and combination type, suggesting distinct processing systems.
Conclusions:
- Abstract and concrete words are processed in parallel systems: motor for concrete, language for abstract.
- Abstract word acquisition relies heavily on linguistic experience, influencing processing.
- Embodied theories are supported, highlighting the importance of both perception-action and linguistic experience for abstract word meaning.
Keywords:
abstract conceptscross-language comparisonembodimentparallel processingsocial–linguistic experienceMore Related Videos
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