Processing of visual shape information in Chinese classifier-noun phrases

Previous studies have demonstrated that classifiers associated with nouns are activated during lexical access. Shape classifiers, a specific type, incorporate visual shape information. This study examined how visual shape information in classifiers is processed during the production of classifier-noun phrases by native Chinese speakers. Participants performed a picture-naming task using the blocked cyclic naming paradigm, where classifier congruency and shape similarity were manipulated. Behavioural results revealed a classifier congruency effect, with slower reaction times for classifier-incongruent conditions, and a shape interference effect, where classifiers with similar shapes slowed responses. EEG analysis showed that classifier-incongruent conditions elicited more positive voltage amplitudes than congruent ones, while shape-dissimilar conditions produced more negative amplitudes compared to shape-similar conditions after 300 ms post-stimulus. These findings indicated that classifiers were activated when producing noun phrases in a blocked cyclic naming paradigm. Moreover, visual shape information embedded in classifiers was processed during the production of classifier-noun phrases. © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.