The Metaphorical Processing of Novel Classifier-Noun Collocations: Evidence from Event-Related Potentials

We employed event-related potentials (ERPs) to investigate the metaphorical processing mechanism of novel classifier-noun collocations and the moderating role of individual print exposure. Using a within-subjects design, 34 native Chinese speakers (25 females; mean age 23.27 years, SD = 1.80) read three types of classifier-noun collocations embedded in sentences: literal collocations (e.g., yidao dianguang, "a bolt of lightning"), novel collocations (e.g., yishan dianguang, "a flash of lightning"), and anomalous collocations (e.g., yibao dianguang, "a bag of lightning"). Ninety experimental sentences were presented using rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP), with each word displayed for 400 ms followed by a 400 ms blank screen. EEG was recorded from 32 scalp electrodes. After the ERP session, participants completed the Author Recognition Test to assess their print exposure.