Abstract:
This paper has provided a new approach to the study of Australian aboriginal dot paintings from cognitive point of view. It examines the worlds of dot paintings so as to explore the basic cognitive structure—Australian aboriginal "dreaming" worldview, reflected in the paintings, as the aboriginals have their unique thinking mode. The aboriginals believe that they live alongside with their ancestors from the past, present to the future, and they could communicate with their ancestors anywhere and anytime in the "dreaming" world, by "using" the dots and other unique symbols to continue the endless spiritual conversation with their ancestors. Once the viewers have some knowledge about its ethical cognitive tendency, its "dreaming" worldview, it will enable them to better understand their ethnic narration, as well as Australian aboriginals' mysterious dot paintings and arts.