Nomenclature of category levels in graphic symbols, Part II: role of similarity in categorization

Abstract

In a companion paper, the nomenclatures at distinct taxonomic category levels were examined in Blissymbolics and Picture Communication Symbols (PCS). A systematic relationship (a.k.a. convergence) has been shown to facilitate concept formation in spoken language. This paper addresses “similarity” as another feature of the nomenclature at distinct taxonomic category levels that has been found to influence concept formation. The role of similarity has been central to many attempts to explain categorization in the continued debate of psychological models of categorization. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of visuo-graphic similarity within and across the nomenclature of category levels in facilitating concept formation of graphic symbol users. The visuo-graphic similarity of the nomenclature within taxonomic category levels and the visuo-graphic links across category levels are described for Blissymbolics and PCS. Based on this description, the author presents several directions for future research relative to the role of visuo-graphic similarity in concept formation involving Blissymbolics and PCS. It is also argued that this area of inquiry will not only advance research on the role of visuo-graphic similarity in concept formation by graphic symbol users but also further our understanding of the categorization process in general.

• augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
• concept formation
• graphic symbols
• language acquisition
• language development
• similarity