Ways of looking: Lexicalizing visual paths in verbs

The packaging of meaning in verbs varies widely across languages since are free to encode different aspects an event. At the same time, tend display recurrent preferences lexicalization, e.g. verb-framing vs. satellite-framing motion. It has been noted, however, that lexicalization patterns motion not carried over domain vision, gaze trajectory (‘visual path’) is coded outside main verb even verb-framed languages. This ‘typological split’ (Matsumoto 2001), universal. article contains first extensive report vision based on data from Maniq (Austroasiatic, Thailand). investigated using a translation questionnaire and picture-naming task, which tap into subtle semantic detail. Results suggest meanings shaped by universal constraints linked earth-based verticality bodily mechanics, as well local factors such environment cultural scenarios looking salient part. A broader look whole lexicon reveals further cases verbally encoded spatial notions demonstrates pervasive cross-domain systematicity, pointing language system itself important shaping force lexicalization.