THE ROLE OF SENSORY-MOTOR SYSTEMS IN CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING: IMAGE SCHEMAS, METAPHOR AND SPATIAL LANGUAGE

THE ROLE OF SENSORY-MOTOR SYSTEMS IN CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING: IMAGE SCHEMAS, METAPHOR AND SPATIAL LANGUAGE

Author:  Skrynnikova I.V.

Affiliation:  Volgograd State University

Abstract:  The role of sensory-motor systems in conceptual understanding has been the topic of intense debate and controversy. Recent theories of cognition provide mounting evidence that not mere symbols or words are the core elements of thought but rather visual and mental images. Thinking about a particular object reactivates sensory-motor areas of the brain formed during earlier experiences and patterns of interaction with the object in question.

Keywords:  spatial concepts, metaphor, sensory-motor systems of the human brain, conceptual primitives, image-schemas

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Pages:  164-166