Differential Processing In Korean Negation

Abstract

An embodied view of language processing proposes that to understand negation, hearers construct a simu.lation of the counterfactual situation. This paper examines how the syntax of negation constrains its under.standing a through visual simulation paradigm. The particular question under investigation is whether up-or down-associated visual imagery of negated verbs is activated when the verbs are preverbally or postver.bally negated in Korean. The two main findings are: (1) negation induces a facilitatory effect during visual simulation; and (2) this effect is observed only when the negator follows the verb. We interpret these find.ings as evidence that a preverbally negated verb in Korean is processed as an affix-like negation, which doesn’t necessitate access to the affirmative verbal counterpart. They show that the syntax of negation fur.ther constrains negation simulation, and also suggest that negation may not necessarily be accessed exclu.sively via affirmation, contrary to previous assertions.