ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the evidence supporting the reflection of spatial representations in spatial language processing. Spatial descriptions can also be used to relate a variety of different spatial arrays, ranging in complexity from simple object-to-object relations to complex urban environments. Interestingly, array complexity is not directly related to the complexity of issues arising when describing the array. The evidence for situational influences leaves open the possibility that alternative reference frames receive some level of simultaneous activation and are thus both represented. The fact that participants produced route, survey, and mixed descriptions for all environments also indicates that individuals use spatial representations flexibly. The survey goal had participants learn the overall layout of the environment; the route goal had them learn the fastest routes between locations. Situational variables need not be directly related to the scene to exert an influence; aspects of the broader conversational setting can also affect spatial frame processing.
