Journal Article

FZJ-2023-02099

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Do two negatives make a positive? Language and logic in language processing

Tan, I.-A. (Corresponding author) ; Kugler-Etinger, N. ; Grodzinsky, Y.FZJ*

2023
Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group Abingdon

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Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/34512  doi:10.1080/23273798.2023.2190134

Abstract: This study focuses on a factor known to increase sentence processing complexity – negation. We sought to distill out of negation a logical property – Inference Reversal – to see whether it, and not an actual negation word, determines this complexity. First, we tested a negation-less pair of polar operators (at most, at least) in Hebrew. We found that processing time for sentences containing the Inference Reversing at most lagged behind those with at least. Second, we compared the processing of sentences containing two Inference Reversing operators (not less) to sentences with zero (ø, more) and one (not more, less). Since two Inference Reversing Operators annul Inference Reversal (“two negatives make a positive”), we asked whether their processing cost is annulled, or rather cumulative. Surprisingly, RTnot less was shorter than RTnot more. These findings lead to the conclusion that even when covert, Inference Reversal is an important determinant of processing complexity.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Strukturelle und funktionelle Organisation des Gehirns (INM-1)

Research Program(s):

1. 5251 - Multilevel Brain Organization and Variability (POF4-525) (POF4-525)
2. HBP SGA3 - Human Brain Project Specific Grant Agreement 3 (945539) (945539)

Appears in the scientific report 2023

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Database coverage:
; ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Social and Behavioral Sciences ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Social Sciences Citation Index ; Web of Science Core Collection

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