Spatial semantics: the processing of internal localization nouns

This paper considers the processing of an important class of spatial lexeme s - called Internal Localization Nouns (ILNs) - which are used to refer to the different parts of entities. It is grounded on a detailed linguistic an alysis of the lexemes in terms of geometrical, functional, and contextual/p ragmatic properties. The experiment described mainly focuses on ILNs that c all for orientation notions. It uses a pointing task in which the geometric al and functional properties of entities were varied as well as the positio n in which they were displayed. The impact of these changes on the interpre tation was evaluated through the measurement of response latencies. This pr otocol provides interesting data on the part played by several complex para meters - such as gravity, geometrical and functional salience, motion, cano nical use, etc. - in the processing of orientational ILNs.