The Cognition of Time Shaped by Linguistic Elements: Alphabetic Language and Ideographic Language
Abstract
This study investigated the impact of language script on spatial cognition by comparing reaction times of native speakers of alphabetic languages and Chinese in response to horizontally and vertically arranged button groups. It is postulated that the linear, one-dimensional nature of alphabetic scripts may shape cognitive processing differently than the complex, two-dimensional Chinese characters. In the experiment, participants from both linguistic backgrounds were tasked with quickly responding to buttons arranged in both horizontal and vertical configurations. Results indicated that speakers of alphabetic languages exhibited significantly shorter reaction times for the horizontally oriented buttons compared to the Chinese speakers. Conversely, Chinese speakers demonstrated faster reaction times for vertically arranged buttons relative to the alphabetic language speakers. These results suggest that language script structure can influence spatial cognition. The linear, sequential arrangement inherent to alphabetic languages may predispose speakers to be more efficient in processing horizontally sequenced stimuli, while the two-dimensional structure of Chinese characters may confer an advantage in processing vertically presented information. Additionally, cultural factors, such as the traditional vertical writing and reading direction of Chinese script, may contribute to these differences. The findings provide preliminary support for the notion that language script can shape cognitive strategies for processing spatial information, with speakers of alphabetic languages and Chinese employing different strategies for horizontal and vertical spatial processing. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms, as well as the impact of early exposure to a specific script on spatial cognition.
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