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Register here before January 28.

INTRODUCTION

Is semantic processing dependent on spatial forms? Evidence from cognitive linguistics and cognitive psychology suggests that linguistic meaning to a large extent relies on spatial representations grounded in experience and perception. These spatial representations are often referred to as image schemas, mental models, frames or scripts. However, there are reasons to believe that also other domains of cognition – for instance, mathematical and logical reasoning – are dependent on manipulation of underlying spatial representations; we therefore propose the more general term diagram for the spatial underpinning and manipulability of meaning in language and reasoning.  In the symposium we explore to what extent spatial forms, be they iconic, schematic or diagrammatic, are inherent to semantic processing. The symposium will feature international scholars representing a range of disciplines including linguistics, cognitive psychology, experimental semiotics and general model theory to discuss the relation between semantics and spatial representation.

Location and dates:

The Jeppe Vontillius auditorium building 1252, room 310
Bartholins Allé 3, Universitetsparken, 8000 Aarhus C

January 30-31, 2014

Confirmed speakers:

Michael Spivey, University of California, Merced
James Robert Brown, University of Toronto
Kenny Coventry, University of East Anglia
Christina Ljungberg, University of Zürich
Elisabeth Engberg-Pedersen, University of Copenhagen
Esa Itkonen, University of Turku
Peer Christensen, Aarhus University
Svend Østergaard, Aarhus University
Frederik Stjernfelt, University of Copenhagen
Kristian Tylén, Aarhus University