How you map numbers in your mind isn’t universal, even among people who read the same language

On your mental number line, are the numbers smaller on the left or on the right? Two comparative cognition researchers explain how culture may influence the orientation – but also may not.

By: Olga Lazareva, Drake University and Reggie Gazes, Bucknell University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: May 20, 2026

Words: 1,106

Last Updated: 2 months ago

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By Olga Lazareva, Drake University and Reggie Gazes, Bucknell University

Imagine taking out a 12-inch ruler and finding that the number 12 is on the left side and the number 1 is on the right side. For most native English speakers, this would be disorienting. We are used to seeing the numbers move from smallest to largest, from left to right. When this layout flips, people struggle because the numbers are now in the “wrong” place. …

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