Reading-based recognition and processing of the oracle bone inscriptions: An eye-tracking study

Abstract

This paper aims at investigating the cognitive processing of the oracle bone inscriptions (OBIs) for L1 (first-language) speakers. Adopting both a behavioral and an eye-tracking experimental paradigm, the paper explores how language background and the prior learning of Chinese characters affect L1 speakers’ recognition and processing of the OBIs. Our results reveal the following. (1) L1 speakers process distinct oracle structural categories differently. In terms of accuracy, the recognition of the xiangxing and huiyi structures is better than that of the zhishi and xingsheng structures. In terms of eye-movement metrics, the differences in processing converged with the behavioral findings. (2) L1 speakers differ in the processing of oracle characters depending on their structural similarities with the corresponding modern Chinese characters. Furthermore, characters with structural symmetry are easier to recognize, as reflected in their higher accuracy (behavioral task) and shorter duration (eye-tracking task). (3) The recognition and the eye-movement experimental data reveal a significant effect of learning. The current study carries empirical and theoretical implications for understanding the underlying comprehension mechanisms of the OBIs and the application of computer-assisted oracle recognition techniques.