Cognitive Set and Lexicalization Strategy in Dogon Action Verbs

Bibliographic Data

ID3777776
AuthorsJeffrey Heath (0000-0002-1918-2137, corresponding author), Laura Mcpherson (0000-0002-9027-0375, University of California, Los Angeles)
Year2009
Volume51
Issue1
Pages38-63
Publication date2009-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueAnthropological linguistics (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0003-5483 • E-ISSN: 1944-6527
PublisherProject MUSE (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1353/anl.0.0001
OpenAlexW1997563236
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited12

Dogon languages lexicalize action verbs with obligatory reference to manner and/or process. This contrasts with English and "Standard Average European," which (in neutral contexts) profile result and/or function. Many common English verbs like carry and eat correspond to sets of Dogon verbs with senses like 'carry on back' and 'munch'. The pattern cuts across many semantic domains and constitutes a generalized lexicalization strategy, which suggests that Dogon speakers, on the one hand, and speakers of English and "Standard Average European," on the other, have distinct cognitive orientations toward observable actions. A number of explanatory frameworks are available to account for these cultural differences

Action (physics) · Cognition · Lexicalization · Linguistics · Set (abstract data type) · Categorization, perception, and language · Computer Science · History · Language, Metaphor, and Cognition · Lexicography and Language Studies · Philosophy · Psychology

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