Spatial frames of reference preferences in Juchitán Zapotec

This article reports on spatial frames of reference (FoRs) preferences in Juchiteco (Zapotec, Otomanguean). The data show that speakers exhibit a strong preference for the absolute and object-centered FoRs, both observer-independent, and overall disfavor most other FoR types. Of particular interest is the limited use of the relative (observer-dependent) FoR. This is relevant in a language such as Juchiteco, which has a productive meronymic (part-naming) system, as it supports the hypothesis put forth by the Spatial Language and Cognition in Mesoamerica project that productive meronymy correlates with a bias against the use of the relative FoR.

► This article reports on spatial frames of reference preferences in Juchitán Zapotec (Otomanguean).
► Data show strong preferences for the absolute and object-centered frames of reference.
► Overall, most other frames of reference types are disfavored.
► Productive meronymy and limited use of the relative frame of reference correlate.
► Data supports the hypothesis put forth by the Spatial Language and Cognition in Mesoamerica project.