Conventions & Events > 2026 APS Annual Convention > Language, Culture, and Cognition Sessions

Language, Culture, and Cognition Sessions

Language, Culture, and Cognition Symposia Session

In this symposium, experts in psycholinguistics, cognitive and cultural psychology, and neuroscience will explore the dynamic interconnection between language, culture, and cognition. The focus will be on how culture influences cognitive processes such as memory or reasoning, how language impacts thought, and the neurocognitive mechanisms that underpin multilingualism. The symposium also includes a discussion on how AI systems can be developed to understand human language in its diverse cultural contexts.  

The goal for this symposium is to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and advance a more holistic understanding of the human mind as a culturally situated phenomenon. 

Speakers:

  • Francesa Peressotti, Università di Padova, Italy
  • Judith Kroll, University of California Irvine, USA
  • Meriel Burnett and Mohammad Atari University of Massachusetts, USA
  • Daniel Casasanto, Cornell University, USA

ISS Linked Flash Talk Session

11:15 – 12:15 (11:15 AM – 12:15 PM)

Words That Heal: How Therapists Use Language to Shape Cultural Meaning-Making In Nigeria and England

Presenting Author: Adaku Thelma Olatise, Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom

Abstract: Therapists across Nigeria and England use language as a cognitive mechanism in multicultural integrative psychotherapy. Analysing interviews with 18 therapists, findings show that proverbs, metaphors, code-switching and cultural translation reshape clients’ meaning-making and emotional regulation. Linguistic adaptation strengthens attunement and reveals differences between collectivist and individualist cognitive-linguistic worlds.

Mind the Cue: Subtle Linguistic Cues Influence Support for Anti-Refugee Policies

Presenting Author: Orly Idan, School of Psychology Interdisciplinary Center, Israel

Abstract: This study examined how grammatical form shapes political persuasion. Jewish-Israeli participants viewed anti-refugee arguments articulated in either verbs or nouns. Verb-framed messages increased anger toward the government and support for anti-refugee policies. Findings show that subtle linguistic differences in political communication can meaningfully influence emotional reactions and policy preferences.

Do AI Systems Accurately Estimate Moral Diversity Around the Globe?

Presenting Author: Aliah Zewail, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA

Abstract: We query LLMs to estimate the moral norms of 48 nations and compare them to actual cross-cultural survey data (n=90,802). Our findings indicate that LLMs more accurately reflect the moral values of Western societies while inaccurately stereotyping the moral values of non-Western populations, especially those in the Middle East.

Emotional-Failure Stories Enhance Arousal, Ease Negative Emotions, and Strengthen Motivation In English Learners: An Eye-Tracking Study

Presenting Author: Keying Wang, Teachers College, Columbia University

Abstract: We conducted a randomized controlled eye-tracking experiment (N=23) with questionnaires to examine how emotional vs. factual stories about scientific failures influence English learners’ engagement, emotional arousal, post-reading emotions, and motivational beliefs. The emotional story elicited descriptively greater arousal, plus improved emotional and motivational outcomes for English learners.

Language-Dependent Memory Effects on the Recall of Future Intentions

Presenting Author: Cristina Lopez-Rojas, Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center at University of Granada, Spain

Abstract: Different language during the encoding and execution of a future intention impaired the retrospective but not the prospective (i.e., monitoring and detection) component of prospective memory. These findings highlight implications for multilingual contexts where people switch languages to retrieve future intentions, showing how bilingualism shapes prospective remembering.