Motion Encoding in Language and Space Explorations in Language and Space Series, Vol. 6

This book brings together researchers in linguistics, computer science, psychology and cognitive science to investigate how motion is encoded in language. The book is divided into two parts. Part I considers the parameters at play in motion encoding (including directed motion) by presenting new research on Estonian, English, Norwegian, Bulgarian, Italian, German, Russian, Persian, and Tamil. Part II investigates the way in which different levels of spatial resolution or granularity play a role in the encoding of motion in language.

1. Introduction. Part 1: Motion Encoding Across Languages: Multiple methods and applications. 2. Distinctions in the Linguistic Encoding of Motion: Evidence from a free naming task. 3. The Encoding of Motion Events in Estonian. 4. Domains fo Aqua-Motion: A case study in lexical typology. 5. Spatial Directionals for Robot Navigation. 6. The Role of Structure and Function in the Conceptualization of Directions. Part 2: Granularity. 7. Granularity in Taxonomy, Time, and Space. 8. Granularity, in the Cross-linguistic Encoding of Motion and Location. 9. Granularity, Space, and Motion-framed Location. 10. Path and Place: Lexical specification of granular compatibility. 11. The Lexical Representation of Path-curvature in Motion Expressions: A three-way path curvature distinction. References. Index.

Mila Vulchanova received her DrArtium degree in theoretical linguistics at the Norwegian University of Science & Technology in 1996. Her professional expertise covers a wide range of topics, including linguistic theory, lexical semantics, language and cognition, spatial categorization and language, language acquisition, developmental disorders, extreme language talent, formal syntax and diachronic grammar. She is an elected member of The Royal Norwegian Society of Science (DKNVS) and was a fellow in residence at The Centre for Advanced Study (VLAC) at The Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium for Science and the Arts (KVAB). Currently Vulchanova leads the NTNU Language Acquisition and Language Processing Lab, which conducts experimental research in language skills in children and adults, language acquisition and language processing. Emile van der Zee is Principal Lecturer in the School of Psychology, University of Lincoln. He is the editor, together with Laura Carlson, of Functional Features in Language and Space (OUP 2005) and, with Jon Slack, of Representing Direction in Language and Space (OUP 2003).