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Metaphor processing in middle childhood and at the transition to early adolescence: the role of chronological age, mental age, and verbal intelligence

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 December 2018

Matthias DECKERT Open the ORCID record for Matthias DECKERT [Opens in a new window] ,
Michaela SCHMOEGER ,
Ines SCHAUNIG-BUSCH  and
Ulrike WILLINGER
Matthias DECKERT*
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna
Michaela SCHMOEGER
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna
Ines SCHAUNIG-BUSCH
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna
Ulrike WILLINGER
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna
*
*Corresponding author: Matthias Deckert, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18–20, 1090 Vienna, Austria. tel: 0043-1-40400-31050; fax: 0043-1-40400-31410; E-mail: matthias.deckert@meduniwien.ac.at
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Abstract

Metaphor development in conjunction with verbal intelligence and linguistic competence in middle childhood and at the transition to early adolescence was investigated. 298 individuals between seven and ten years (chronological age) who attended grades two–four (mental age) were tested for metaphor processing by the Metaphoric Triads Task, for linguistic competence (HELD), and verbal intelligence (WISC-III). Chronological age significantly predicted metaphor processing with a breakpoint of 8.2 years regarding identification and comprehension, and 10.2 years regarding preference. Fourth-graders showed highest metaphor processing scores. Verbal intelligence significantly predicted metaphor processing; this effect became stronger with increasing age. Attributional metaphors were best understood and most preferred. Chronological and mental age are associated with metaphor processing in an age span that is seemingly crucial for metaphor development. Verbal analogical reasoning, concept formation, verbal abstraction, and semantic knowledge predicted metaphor comprehension. Understanding facts, principles, and social situations, and resultant inferential verbal reasoning predicted metaphor preference.

Keywords

metaphor processingdevelopmentverbal intelligence

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Articles
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Journal of Child Language , Volume 46 , Issue 2 , March 2019 , pp. 334 - 367
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Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2018 

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