Number without a language model

作者：Spaepen Elizabet^*; Coppola Marie; Spelke Elizabeth S; Carey Susan E; Goldin Meadow Susan

来源：Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2011, 108(8): 3163-3168.

DOI：10.1073/pnas.1015975108

• numerical cognition
• language and thought
• deafness
• gestural communication

Cross-cultural studies suggest that access to a conventional language containing words that can be used for counting is essential to develop representations of large exact numbers. However, cultures that lack a conventional counting system typically differ from cultures that have such systems, not only in language but also in many other ways. As a result, it is difficult to isolate the effects of language on the development of number representations. Here we examine the numerical abilities of individuals who lack conventional language for number (deaf individuals who do not have access to a usable model for language, spoken or signed) but who live in a numerate culture (Nicaragua) and thus have access to other aspects of culture that might foster the development of number. These deaf individuals develop their own gestures, called homesigns, to communicate. We show that home-signers use gestures to communicate about number. However, they do not consistently extend the correct number of fingers when communicating about sets greater than three, nor do they always correctly match the number of items in one set to a target set when that target set is greater than three. Thus, even when integrated into a numerate society, individuals who lack input from a conventional language do not spontaneously develop representations of large exact numerosities.

• 出版日期2011-2-22