Attention, Language and Vision

Abstract

So far we have looked at scenarios where information only from one modality was used during language processing. Recently, several researchers have explored how spoken language influences attentional selections in simple looking and listening tasks using eye tracking as methodology. Attentional mechanisms influence how linguistic and non-linguistic information are processed together. Eye movements during language comprehension in the presence of visual images have revealed how conceptual activation leads to shifts in attention and cognition. The aim of this chapter is to examine how linguistic and visual information interact dynamically during cognitive processing in different situations. Data from both monolingual and bilingual studies are considered to examine issues of lexical access and visual search. First, the chapter covers some theoretical issues related to language and vision interaction and later, findings from the visual world studies are examined.