Uniformity and variation in Tseltal reference frame use

Tseltal (Mayan) speakers have been described as favoring absolute frames of reference (FoRs) in spatial language and cognition (Levinson, 2003 and Brown, 2006). We present the results of a new referential communication task conducted in three Tseltal communities. The data show an overall preference for object-centered and landmark-based descriptions over absolute ones. The use of absolute FoRs varied drastically across the communities in correlation with the salience of topographic features. We argue that this variation is evidence of environmental constraints on FoR use, but not of environmental determinism as suggested by Li and Gleitman (2002).

► We studied the use of spatial reference frames in three Tseltal Mayan communities.
► We conducted a referential communication task with five dyads of speakers per town.
► A preference for intrinsic and landmark-based descriptions over absolute ones emerged.
► The use of absolute frames depends on the salience of local topographic features.
► Topography provides affordances for geocentric frame use to which cultures may adapt.