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The Cultural Number Line

A Review of Cultural and Linguistic Influences on the Development of Number Processing

Bibliographic Data

ID14257546
AuthorsSilke M Göbel (0000-0001-8845-6026, University of York, York, UK), Samuel Shaki (0000-0002-2340-5401, Ariel University Center of Samaria, Israel), Martin H Fischer (0000-0003-3818-7272, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK,, corresponding author)
Year2011
Volume42
Issue4
Pages543-565
Publication date2011-05-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Cross-Cultural Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0022-0221 • E-ISSN: 1552-5422
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/0022022111406251
OpenAlexW2161391062
LanguageEN
Citations received27
References cited91

Approximate processing of numerosities is a universal and preverbal skill, while exact number processing above 4 involves the use of culturally acquired number words and symbols. The authors first review core concepts of numerical cognition, including number representation in the brain and the influential view that numbers are associated with space along a “mental number line.” Then, they discuss how cultural influences, such as reading direction, finger counting, and the transparency of the number word system, can influence the representation and processing of numbers. Spatial mapping of numbers emerges as a universal cognitive strategy. The authors trace the impact of cultural factors on the development of number skills and conclude that a cross-cultural perspective can reveal important constraints on numerical cognition

Arithmetic · Cognition · Cognitive psychology · Cognitive science · Linguistics · Mathematics education · Mental representation · Number line · Number sense · Numerical cognition · Numerosity adaptation effect · Perspective (graphical) · Reading (process) · Representation (politics) · TRACE (psycholinguistics) · Artificial Intelligence · Cognitive and developmental aspects of mathematical skills · Computer Science · Mathematics · Mathematics Education and Teaching Techniques · Psychology · Reading and Literacy Development

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Unique citing works27
Citations per year1,8
Citation span2011 - 2026 (16)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 25
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