How Cognitive Linguistics Inspires HCI: Image Schemas and Image-Schematic Metaphors

Abstract

Cognitive linguistics, a recent discipline in the cognitive sciences, is firmly rooted in the idea that linguistic and cognitive abilities cannot be separated. This discipline is of interest to human–computer interaction (HCI) specialists concerned with finding out about users’ mental models and representing these in user interfaces. Central to cognitive linguistics are the theories of conceptual metaphor and image schemas. These theories have been influential in two areas of HCI: generating population stereotypes of physical-to-abstract mappings and inspiring user interface designs. The article reviews the theory and research into the application of image schemas and image-schematic metaphors in HCI. Special emphasis is put on strategies of image-schema sourcing. The theory and the available evidence suggest that the application of image schemas can contribute to user interfaces that are innovative, inclusive, and intuitive to use. The claim for inclusiveness currently has the weakest empirical support and needs to be substantiated by further research.

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