人類在空間定位時一般會使用三種參考框架：相對（以自我為中心）、固有（以對象為中心）及絕對參考框架（使用固定的方位，如：山）。由於這些框架是用來估算及詳細指明某物體與其他物體相關位置的座標系統，長久以來它們被認為是與生俱來並嵌入神經認知系統的概念。然而近來的研究顯示這些框架在語言、認知及手勢方面的使用會因文化而有所調整（Majid et al. 2004）。舉例來說：雖然峇里人也有使用相對參考框架，但大部分的峇里人都使用他們語言及文化所提供的絕對參考框架（Wassmann and Dasen 1998）。本文旨在找出雅美人使用哪一種參考框架來描述空間關係並指出在採集語料時所遇到的困難。本文中雅美（達悟）語空間定位的相關語料主要藉由圖片誘發方式取得，結果顯示三種參考框架在雅美（達悟）語中皆有使用。與峇里語相似的是：雅美（達悟）語中的絕對參考框架和其在雅美文化中的重要性相符合，說明了文化和語言系統之間有明顯的連貫性。

There are three frames of reference, which we call the Relative (egocentric), the Intrinsic (object-centered) and the Absolute (using fixed bearings like the mountain).Since these frames are coordinate systems used to compute and specify the location of objects with respect to other objects, they have long been thought of as innate concepts,
built into our neurocognition. However, recent work shows that the use of such frames in language, cognition and gesture varies cross-culturally (Majid et al. 2004). For example, although a relative encoding is also used, most Balinese employ the Absolute frame of reference provided by their language and culture (Wassmann and Dasen 1998).This paper aims to find out which frame(s) of reference the Yami people use to describe
the spatial relationships and point out the difficulty encountered during the elicitation.Data related with spatial orientation in Yami are mainly collected by picture elicitation.The results show that Yami allows the use of all three frames of reference. Similar to Balinese, the absolute reference system in Yami fits with its symbolic importance in Yami culture, i.e., there is an obvious coherence between the cultural and linguistic systems.