language and thought Sapir Whorf hypothesis Flashcards
what was sapir’s hypothesis on language and though
Sapir and Whorf suggested it is not possible to think about something you don’t have words for.
what are 2 weaknesses on sapir whorf hypothesis language and though?
A weakness is that differences between cultures may have been exaggerated by Boas.
There are really only two words for snow in Inuit culture and actually English has other words for different types of snow.
This shows that the differences aren’t that great and challenges the conclusion that language may determine thought.
Another weakness is that having more words for snow doesn’t mean the words came first.
The Inuit language may have more words for snow because there is always lots of snow.
This suggests that language develops because of the way we perceive our environment, which supports Piaget’s view that thinking influences language.
what is 1 strength on sapir whorf hypothesis language and though?
A strength is that the hypothesis explains the link between language and intelligence.
Bernstein suggested that working-class children will always fall behind in school because their use of the restricted code will have a negative effect on their ability to think.
This shows that language influences a particular type of thinking (intelligence).
how does thinking depend on language
Language comes first and thought afterwards.
There are two versions of the hypothesis: one which believes words determine our thoughts and one which says they influence them.
how does language determine thought (stong version)
If there are no words for a thought, object or idea then you can’t think about it.
This is why it is difficult to translate ideas from one language to another.
how does language influence thought (weak version)
Words help to ‘carve up’ the world. However, you can still imagine something with no words for it.
out of the weaker and stronger theories, Which version is better?
Weaker version preferred. If the words we have for a concept or idea are limited, our ability to notice or recall that idea will be limited.
