Object categorisation using Malay Shape-based numeral classifiers.

Khazriyati Salehuddin, and Winskel, Heather (2011) Object categorisation using Malay Shape-based numeral classifiers. GEMA: Online Journal of Language Studies, 11 (3). pp. 53-68. ISSN 1675-8021

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Abstract

Categorisation is fundamental in human cognition and language development. Crosslinguistic studies on categorisation propose numeral classifiers as a linguistic manifestation of human categorisation and conceptualisation. Thus, studies on numeral classifier acquisition enable researchers to examine how children learn to categorise objects in their environment using a constrained framework, and how this ability becomes more refined as children grow older. This study investigated the strategies children utilise in categorising objects into eight Malay shape-based numeral classifier categories using a paired discrimination task. One-hundred-and-forty-eight children ranging in age from 6 to 9 years and a comparison group of adults participated in this study. Results revealed that children categorised objects more readily when there was a strong (two-perceptual feature distinction) than weak (one-perceptual feature distinction) contrast, and when exemplars were typical rather than atypical. There appears to be a gradual transition from a perceptually biased to a broader, more rule-based system.

Item Type:Article
Keywords:children; cognition; conceptualisation; perception; typicality.
Journal:GEMA ; Online Journal of Language Studies
ID Code:2761
Deposited By: Mr Azam
Deposited On:07 Sep 2011 00:50
Last Modified:14 Dec 2016 06:32

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