Spatial Orientation in Yami

Abstract

There are three frames of reference, which we call the Relative (egocentric), the Intrinsic (object-centered) and the Absolute (using fixed bearings like the mountain). Since these frames are coordinate systems used to compute and specify the location of objects with respect to other objects, they have long been thought of as innate concepts, built into our neurocognition. However, recent work shows that the use of such frames in language, cognition and gesture varies cross-culturally (Majid et al. 2004). For example, although a relative encoding is also used, most Balinese employ the Absolute frame of reference provided by their language and culture (Wassmann and Dasen 1998). This paper aims to find out which frame(s) of reference the Yami people use to describe the spatial relationships and point out the difficulty encountered during the elicitation. Data related with spatial orientation in Yami are mainly collected by picture elicitation. The results show that Yami allows the use of all three frames of reference. Similar to Balinese, the absolute reference system in Yami fits with its symbolic importance in Yami culture, i.e., there is an obvious coherence between the cultural and linguistic systems.