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Does Embodiment of Verbs Influence Predicate Metaphor Processing in a Second Language? Evidence From Picture Priming
1School of Foreign Studies, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China.
Frontiers in Psychology
|November 22, 2021
Summary
Embodied cognition effects in second language (L2) learning show that sensorimotor information from verbs aids understanding of novel predicate metaphors. This effect varies with L2 proficiency and metaphor familiarity.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Linguistics
- Neuroscience of Language
- Second Language Acquisition
Background:
- Predicate metaphors involve abstract concepts derived from concrete verbs, activating sensorimotor systems.
- The link between embodied verb processing and abstract thought in L2 learners is not well understood.
- Understanding this link can inform embodied cognition theories and L2 pedagogy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of verb embodiment on L2 learners' comprehension of novel and conventional predicate metaphors.
- To explore how L2 proficiency modulates the embodiment effect in metaphor processing.
Main Methods:
- Comparing comprehension of novel and conventional predicate metaphors in Chinese L2 learners of English.
- Analyzing the role of sensorimotor activation via verb embodiment.
- Differentiating effects based on L2 proficiency levels (higher-level vs. lower-level learners).
Main Results:
- A significant embodiment effect was observed, facilitating novel predicate metaphor comprehension more strongly than conventional ones.
- Lower-level L2 learners showed weaker facilitation for conventional predicate metaphors.
- Results suggest a graded embodiment effect modulated by L2 proficiency and metaphor novelty.
Conclusions:
- Sensorimotor aspects of verbs play a role in processing predicate metaphors, supporting a hybrid view of embodied cognition.
- Embodiment effects in L2 metaphor comprehension are graded and influenced by learner proficiency and metaphor novelty.
- Verb-based sensorimotor information may act as an intermediary in abstract categorization for L2 learners.
Keywords:
L2 proficiencyembodimentindirect categorizationintermediate entitymetaphor noveltypredicate metaphorsensorimotorMore Related Videos
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