Cultural influences on the developing semantic lexicon

Bibliographic Data

ID20366376
AuthorsKarla K Mcgregor (0000-0003-0612-0057, University of Iowa, corresponding author), Natalie Munro (0000-0001-9694-9701, The University of Sydney), Su Mei CHEN (University of Iowa), Elise Baker (0000-0002-9973-5925, The University of Sydney), Jacob Oleson (0000-0001-6343-3274, University of Iowa)
Year2018
Volume45
Issue6
Pages1309-1336
Publication date2018-11-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Child Language (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0305-0009 • E-ISSN: 1469-7602
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s0305000918000211
PMID29961430
OpenAlexW2811310108
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited43

To determine whether the developing semantic lexicon varies with culture, we examined the animal and food naming of children from three communities distinguished by language, cultural heritage, and population density. The children were five- and seven-year-olds from Australia (n = 197), Taiwan (n = 456), and the US (n = 172). Naming patterns revealed hierarchical and flexible organization of the semantic lexicon. The content of the lexicon, particularly food names, varied with cultural heritage. In all three communities, wild mammals were predominant during animal naming, a likely influence of children's media. The influence of the Chinese zodiac was evident in the clustering of animal names in the Taiwanese sample. There was no apparent influence of population density and little influence of language, except that the Taiwanese children more frequently named foods at the superordinate level, a possible influence of the structure of Mandarin. Children develop their lexicons in response to culture as experienced first-hand or through media

Lexicon · Linguistics · Child and Animal Learning Development · Computer Science · Language Development and Disorders · Psychology · Reading and Literacy Development