This volume marks the first comprehensive collection of reports from research projects in cognitive psychology in New Zealand. The existence of such a book is a reflection of the remarkable and ongoing growth in cognitive inquiry in this part of the world. Although most influential models and theories on cognition have originated in North America and Europe, the last two decades have seen an upsurge of cognitive research in the Australasian region.

Cognition and Language is intended to make accessible and integrate theoretically significant outcomes of cognitive science in New Zealand research centres. Our intention was to edit the first volume on the international publishing scene reflecting the depth, quality, and some of the thematic diversity of cognitive psychology in New Zealand centres. It reflects some of the perspectives and approaches that New Zealand scientists take to internationally well recognised cognitive topics. It also indicates more unique themes that are investigated reliant on the Australasian context. In particular, the book is meant to integrate studies in the technical field of perception, the interfaces between cognition and language (psycholinguistics, psychology of communication), and cognitive- developmental studies - three domains that become increasingly salient in New Zealand cognitive science.