Knowledge acquisition and verbal linearization in spatial communication

This paper deals with determinants of linearization in spatial communication. The well-known linearization principles, such as the principle of natural order, primarily emphasize features of the given information. We assume that verbal linearization is in addition influenced by the speakers' knowledge acquisition. Six experiments with a total of 272 participants are reported here. A particular spatial constellation was presented to the participants, who were asked to talk about it afterwards. The linearizations then produced were defined as dependent variables. The results show that the linearizations were influenced by the speaker's experience with the configuration (according-to-experience effect) and also demonstrate the importance of the first encounter (anchor effect). Further characteristics of the effects mentioned above are described and discussed regarding memory research and psycholinguistics.