Journal

Volume 18, Issue 3 (September 30, 2017)

5 articles

• A Socio-Semiotic Analysis of Gender Relations in Hausa Proverbs
  by Ahmed UMAR
  J. CS. 2017, 18(3), 237-254;
  Abstract This paper investigates gender-relations among the Hausa via their proverbs. Using a socio-semiotic framework (Hodge and Kress, 1988;Kress, 2010;Van Leeuwen, 2005), the paper analyses some gender-related Hausa proverbs, sampled from 100 proverbs. The influence of those proverbs in the socio- cultura... [Read more].
  Abstract This paper investigates gender-relations among the Hausa via their proverbs. Using a socio-semiotic framework (Hodge and Kress, 1988;Kress, 2010;Van Leeuwen, 2005), the paper analyses some gender-related Hausa proverbs, sampled from 100 proverbs. The influence of those proverbs in the socio- cultural psyche of the Hausa is second only to religious injunctions. The findings show that 99% of the gender-related proverbs project negative affordances on those relations, especially in matrimony. The negative ensembles in the proverbs are made by framing either sex in negative imaging and metaphors. This result also reflects the reality of gender- relations among the Hausa society and the socio-political orientation in northern Nigeria, especially regarding women. [Collapse]
• The definite article in Spanish as a polysemous category
  by Anastasia Khain
  J. CS. 2017, 18(3), 255-299;
  Abstract The present paper investigates the semantic structure of the definite article in Spanish, traditionally characterized as meaningless, from a Cognitive Linguistics perspective. After a brief overview of the role of the definite article as an element of the Spanish grounding system, it will be argued ... [Read more].
  Abstract The present paper investigates the semantic structure of the definite article in Spanish, traditionally characterized as meaningless, from a Cognitive Linguistics perspective. After a brief overview of the role of the definite article as an element of the Spanish grounding system, it will be argued that the category of the definite article is polysemous, has radial structure, and it is organized around prototypical centres. It will be demonstrated how the senses, which are motivated by family resemblances and interrelated through categorizing relationships of elaboration and extension, are linked in a polysemy network. Moreover, it will be held that the various senses of the de nite article constitute a continuum, since expressions grounded by the de nite article can run the gamut from pro ling a unique entity of the type to denoting the whole class of entities.Keywords: cognitive linguistics, cognitive grammar, article, de nite, article, Spanish, polysemy, network, metonymy, family resemblance [Collapse]
• Cognitive Analysis of Pedestrians Walking While Using a Mobile Phone
  by İlker Erkan
  J. CS. 2017, 18(3), 301-319;
  Abstract The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of EEG signals on different cognitive tasks of the pedestrians. The author developed new software for simulation, called Pedestrian 3D virtual simulator which considered in detail the decision-making cognitive tasks of pedestrians, with simultaneou... [Read more].
  Abstract The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of EEG signals on different cognitive tasks of the pedestrians. The author developed new software for simulation, called Pedestrian 3D virtual simulator which considered in detail the decision-making cognitive tasks of pedestrians, with simultaneous measurement of the EEG signals. Two walking sessions were designed: one receiving the SMS while walking, the other involved replying SMS while walking. Fifty subjects participated in the study. Based on the Singular Value Decomposition algorithm the EEG was considered to analyze of features. The results of this study show that It was determined that the right frontal lobes were active in distractions when pedestrians while walking. EEG changes during the tasks were seen in alpha 1 and alpha 2 bands substantial changes were observed in F1, FZ, F2 channels. The use of mobile phones (especially replying SMS) while walking negatively affected the perception of pedestrians, putting them at a risk for accidents, suggesting the need for interventions to decrease the use of mobile phones while walking. One of the most important results of the study is that an ongoing response is recorded in the middle of the prefrontal cortex in those who are careless walking.Keywords: Pedestrian Walking; EEG; Cognitive Control; Pedestrian Behavior [Collapse]
• Holistic Processing Affects Surface Texture Perception: Approach from Japanese Sound Symbolic Words
  by Jinhwan Kwon,Tatsuki Kagitani,Maki Sakamoto
  J. CS. 2017, 18(3), 321-340;
  Abstract The human visual system is able to perceive not only the macrostructure (form and shape) of a surface, but also its microstructure (texture). Some evidence suggests that microstructural characteristics are processed independently of macrostructural features. However, the human visual system can inte... [Read more].
  Abstract The human visual system is able to perceive not only the macrostructure (form and shape) of a surface, but also its microstructure (texture). Some evidence suggests that microstructural characteristics are processed independently of macrostructural features. However, the human visual system can interpret a variety of information about the physical world, enabling the recognition and semantic categorization of complex visual scenes at a glance. This remarkable perceptual ability relies heavily on holistic processing, which is achieved by estimating the global statistical summary of an image. On the other hand, texture is an important source of information for distinguishing between artificial and naturally occurring surfaces in images. In addition, it is reported that Japanese sound symbolic words are useful to express fine differences in texture and synesthetic characteristics. However, there is no evidence comparing the characteristics of surface texture perception between whole- and part-based images using sound symbolic words. The objective of the present study was to examine whether sound symbolic words for describing the surface texture perception differs between whole-based images related to the holistic processing and part-based images. In Experiment 1, we examined the effect of whole- based images in surface texture perception using sound symbolic words. In Experiment 2, we examined the effect of part-based images in surface texture perception using sound symbolic words. The results revealed that the sensory and symbolic descriptors differed in texture perceptions between whole-based and part-based image processing. These findings suggest that sound symbolic words can describe differences in surface texture between whole-based and part-based images at a fine resolution. [Collapse]
• Young EFL students’ reliance on path-breaking verbs in the use of English argument structure constructions
  by Hyunwoo Kim, Haerim Hwang, Yangon Rah
  J. CS. 2017, 18(3), 341-366;
  Abstract This study investigates the extent to which young EFL students rely on path- breaking verbs in the comprehension and production of English argument structure constructions. In a sentence-sorting task, Korean EFL learners in grades 7 and 10 sorted English sentences, which were created by crossing fou... [Read more].
  Abstract This study investigates the extent to which young EFL students rely on path- breaking verbs in the comprehension and production of English argument structure constructions. In a sentence-sorting task, Korean EFL learners in grades 7 and 10 sorted English sentences, which were created by crossing four verbs with four constructions, into same groups according to overall sentence meaning and form. The results showed dominant verb-oriented sorting in grade 7, and more construction-biased sorting in grade 10 when the sentence included a path-breaking verb. In a written production task, Korean EFL students from grades 4 to 7 wrote a book report in English after a 4-week extensive reading program. The results demonstrated the more dominant use of path-breaking verbs in the ditransitive and resultative constructions than in the caused-motion construction. We discuss these findings in terms of usage-based perspectives of constructional learning.Keywords: Path-breaking verb, argument structure construction, usage- based learning, young EFL student [Collapse]