Investigating the Dimensions of Spatial Language

Spatial prepositions in the English language can be used to denote a vast array of configurations

which greatly diverge from any typical meaning and there is much discussion regarding how their

semantics are shaped and understood. Though there is general agreement that non-geometric aspects

play a significant role in spatial preposition usage, there is a lack of available data providing insight

into how these extra semantic aspects should be modelled. This paper is aimed at facilitating the

acquisition of data that supports theoretical analysis and helps understand the extent to which

different kinds of features play a role in the semantics of spatial prepositions. We first consider key

features of spatial prepositions given in the literature. We then introduce a framework intended

to facilitate the collection of rich data; including geometric, functional and conventional features.

Finally, we describe a preliminary study, concluding with some insights into the difficulties of

modelling spatial prepositions and gathering meaningful data about them.