Significance of Structure in Cognition: A Study on Bangla Counting System
Avijit Mallick, Arka Banerjee · 2017
Cognitive processing of complex expression is relative to the way information is structurally encoded. Under this assumption, this paper seeks to investigate how information relevant to the counting process is structurally encoded in Bangla numerals. It is noted already in literature (Hurford, 1987) that the construction of numerals as the collection-representing expressions have certain similarities with the construction of non-numeral expressions: Basic universal patterns in the scaffolding of numerals in larger constructions and the formation of complex numerals can be explained in terms of natural parallels and analogies with non-numeral constructions. This remains instrumental in asserting the fact that syntacto-semantic peculiarities associated with Bangla numeral construction can be captured with the help of a theoretical framework primarily developed in syntax.