Manual response set in a Stroop-like task involving categorization of English and Japanese words indicates a common semantic representation.

Abstract

The present study examined the semantic representation for English and Japanese words. A previous study using the interlingual word categorization showed Japanese words affected the semantic processing of English words, but English words did not affect the semantic processing of Japanese words. The present study tested the interlingual word categorization by a manual response instead of the vocal response. Analysis showed English words also affected the semantic processing of Japanese words. The common semantic representation for English and Japanese words was discussed.