Lucy's studies of the object-substance distinction in English and Yucatec speakers found that:
A) Yucatec speakers specified the number of inanimate objects more than English speakers
B) Yucatec speakers grouped objects on the basis of material
C) English speakers grouped objects on the basis of material
D) Despite differences in their languages, English and Yucatec speakers grouped objects in an almost identical fashion.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lucy's studies found that Yucatec speakers tend to group objects based on their material, whereas English speakers tend to group them based on their shape or function. This suggests a cultural difference in how people conceptualize objects. A is incorrect because there was no significant difference in the way English and Yucatec speakers specified the number of inanimate objects. C is incorrect because Lucy's studies found that English speakers did not group objects based on their material. Finally, D is incorrect because Lucy's studies found clear differences in how English and Yucatec speakers grouped objects.

Lucy's Studies of the Object-Substance Distinction in English and Yucatec