Shapes and sounds as self-objects in learning geography

The pleasure which some children find in maps and map reading is manifold in origin. Children cathect patterns of configuration and color and derive joy from the visual mastery of these. This gratification is enhanced by the child's knowledge that the map represents something bigger than and external to itself. Likewise, some children take pleasure in the pronunciation of names themselves. The phonetic transcription of multisyllabic names is often a plearurable challenge. The vocalized name has its origin in the self, becomes barely external to self, and is self-monitored. Thus, in children both the configurations and the vocalizations associated with map reading have the properties of "self=objects" (Kohut, 1971). From the author's observation the delight which some children take in sounding out geographic names on a map may, in some instances, indicate pre-existing gratifying sound associations. Childish amusement in punning on cognomens may be an even greater stimulant for learning than visual configurations or artificial cognitive devices.