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Published on: November 30, 2018
Cross-Linguistic and Cross-Cultural Effects on Picture Description: A Main Concept Analysis in Korean and English
Yae Rin Yoo1, Jimin Park1, Jee Eun Sung1
1Department of Communication Disorders, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea.
Purpose:
This study examined cross-linguistic and cross-cultural influences on picture-based narrative performance in Korean and English speakers with and without aphasia. We evaluated whether pro-drop-adjusted main concept (MC) scoring accounts for linguistic effects, identified picture-driven cultural effects on discourse, and examined associations between aphasia severity and performance.
Method:
Narratives were elicited with two AphasiaBank stimuli-Cat Rescue and Refused Umbrella-from 54 neurotypical adults (27 Korean neurotypical adults [K-NA], 27 English neurotypical adults [E-NA]) and 34 persons with aphasia (17 Korean persons with aphasia [K-PWA], 17 English persons with aphasia [E-PWA]). In addition to the original MC scoring criteria, we adapted the framework by developing a pro-drop adjustment that credited omitted but contextually recoverable arguments. Language and picture effects were examined under both MC criteria, whereas clinical group effects were evaluated using the adjusted criteria. Additional analyses identified MCs distinguishing language groups and examined associations with Aphasia Quotient (AQ).
Results:
With original scoring, neurotypicals showed language (K-NA < E-NA) and picture effects (Cat Rescue < Refused Umbrella). After pro-drop adjustment, group differences were observed only for Cat Rescue and persisted when PWA were included. The main storyline MC item of Cat Rescue distinguished language groups in both NA and PWA. Picture-specific MC scores differentially predicted AQ: Cat Rescue in K-PWA and Refused Umbrella in E-PWA.
Conclusions:
The findings highlight picture-salient cultural effects in Cat Rescue, even after linguistic adjustments. Limited familiarity with the scene likely hindered Korean speakers' ability to generate core narrative elements. Both linguistic and cultural factors should be considered when selecting picture stimuli for discourse assessment across diverse contexts.
Supplemental Material:
https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.31974204.
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