Directional Precision in Zinacantec Deictic Gestures : (cognitive ?) preconditions of talk about space

Comparative work on human spatial cognition contrasts systems of calcu­lating position and trajectory that involve body-relative reckoning - frequently where the body in question is that of an egocentric observer - with systems which rely on global coordinates such as compass directions not relative to the positions and orien­tations of moveable entities. I consider here a case - from a Tzotzil speaker from highland Chiapas, Mexico - in which spoken resources for describing spatial relations are less developed than corresponding gestural representations. Previous studies of Tzotzil suggested that expressing spatial relationships relies, cognitively and interac­tively, on quite precise, absolutely oriented representations of both microspace and distant locations. I describe semi-experimental studies designed to examine expressive resources and their conceptual underpinnings. Gesture provides striking evidence not only about both the specificity of spatial knowledge, but also about other conceptual operations - transpositions and re-centerings - available to interactants for communi­cating about such knowledge.