A computational approach to spatial cognition: Representing spatial relationships in Tongan language and culture

Second, it follows the examination of the linguistic and psychological data obtained by the administration of a variety of tasks in order to investigate if one of the three types of frame of reference (relative, intrinsic, or absolute) has any specific status within Tongan spatial cognition. The analysis of the linguistic data shows how the three types of frame of reference are used according to specific needs and contexts. The analysis of the psychological data instead highlights a specific preference for the absolute frame of reference. The possibility that the nature of this preference lays within the peculiarity of the Tongan cultural milieu led to the administration of further tasks, 'drawing' and 'memory' tasks. The analyses of the data obtained by both tasks confirm and highlight a peculiarly Tongan or 'radial' representation of spatial relationships. It is also shown how the representations of spatial relationships intertwine with cultural parameters.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Language, Linguistics

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Bennardo, Giovanni

Contributors dc:contributor

• Lehman, Frederic K.

• Language, Linguistics
• Anthropology, Cultural
• Psychology, Cognitive

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 1996 Bennardo, Giovanni

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

9780591087888
AAI9702462
(UMI)AAI9702462

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/19504