Ch 9

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which concept aligns with the Behaviourist perspective on thought?

  • Thought as originating from innate language structures.
  • Thought as subvocal speech or observable behavior. (correct)
  • Thought as a metaphysical phenomenon.
  • Thought as a complex mental computation.

What is the central claim of the Motor Theory of Speech Perception, as proposed by Liberman?

  • Speech perception is based on innate language processing modules.
  • Speech perception is independent of motor activity.
  • Speech perception relies solely on acoustic analysis of sound waves.
  • Understanding speech requires prior subvocal repetition of what is heard. (correct)

Which of the following best describes the Behaviourist approach to psychology, linguistics, and philosophy?

  • Rejecting the importance of observable behavior in understanding cognition
  • Embracing mentalism to explain cognitive processes
  • Replacing mental concepts with observable or potentially observable phenomena (correct)
  • Focusing on the internal mental states that drive behavior

What did Bloomfield suggest about literate individuals regarding speech movements?

<p>Literate individuals reduce speech movements to internal substitutes for private purposes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement aligns with Skinner's view on thought and behavior?

<p>Thought is simply behavior, either verbal or nonverbal, covert or overt. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal of theorists who propose that speech is essential for thought?

<p>To replace the concept of mind with physically observable or potentially observable behavior (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a core idea supported by those who believe speech is essential for thought?

<p>Thought fundamentally originates in speech production. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might a proponent of the 'speech is essential for thought' theory explain silent reading?

<p>Silent reading engages subvocal speech mechanisms as internal substitutes for audible speech. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would someone expect if disparate languages significantly impacted mental processes?

<p>Children learning languages such as English, Japanese, and Russian from birth would show significant differences in their beliefs and perceptions compared to monolingual English speakers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the view of Whorf, Sapir, and Korzybski regarding language and perception?

<p>Our knowledge of vocabulary and syntax influences our perception and understanding of nature and the world around us. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primarily drives the creation and adoption of new vocabulary?

<p>Our practical interests, needs, and experiences. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text mentions the example of children's fascination with dinosaurs. What point does this example illustrate?

<p>Children readily acquire vocabulary related to their interests, even if it is complex. (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by the statement that 'Newtonian space, time, and matter are not intuitions'?

<p>Newton's concepts are shaped by culture and language, rather than being innate understandings. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary counter-argument presented against the theory that language determines our perception of nature?

<p>Our interests, needs, and experiences drive vocabulary development, rather than the reverse. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to vocabulary that no longer serves a need?

<p>It falls out of use. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Philipp Frank, what kind of reform is Einstein's relativity of time?

<p>Semantic (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Whorf's initial hypothesis regarding the Hopi language and its influence on their perception of time?

<p>The Hopi language lacks words related to time, leading to a fundamentally different understanding of space and time. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did researchers like Gipper and Malotki challenge Whorf's claim about the Hopi language?

<p>They identified numerous expressions for time in Hopi, such as adverbs and prepositions, despite the lack of formal tense. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Malotki's main conclusion regarding the relationship between language and thought, based on his research with the Hopi?

<p>People are different not because of their languages, but because of their experiences; fundamentally, humans are the same. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Bloom's initial claim about Chinese speakers' ability to think counterfactually, and what was the basis for this claim?

<p>Chinese speakers were less able to think counterfactually because of specific grammatical features of the Chinese language. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Au challenge Bloom's claim regarding counterfactual thinking among Chinese speakers?

<p>Au revealed that Bloom's conclusions stemmed from inaccurate translations, and that correct translations showed no difference in thinking. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the common conclusion of the studies by Pica et al. (2004) and Gordon (2004) regarding the Munduruku and Piraha languages?

<p>The small size of their number vocabulary negatively affected the speakers' conceptual understanding of quantity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the number vocabulary of the Piraha language, according to the provided text?

<p>The Piraha language has words only for 1, 2, and &quot;many&quot; (more than 2). (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which number is the limit of words to represent numbers for the Munduruku Language?

<p>5 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of Smith's experiment with the curare-like drug?

<p>To determine how thought functions without body movement (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theorist proposed that language is essential for the formation of thoughts?

<p>Lev Vygotsky (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Sapir, what is the common belief about thinking without language?

<p>It is an illusion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the implications of Smith's paralysis experiment for understanding thought?

<p>Thought can occur independently of physical expression (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Vygotsky mean by saying that 'thought is born through words'?

<p>Language aids in the development and articulation of thoughts (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the body functions change in Smith's experiment while under the drug?

<p>Voluntary muscles became paralyzed while smooth muscles continued to function (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for Robert Meyer's arrest in 1920?

<p>He violated a law against teaching foreign languages to minors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which language was specifically mentioned as being taught by Meyer?

<p>German (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the theory proposed by Sapir, Whorf, and Vygotsky primarily emphasize?

<p>The grammatical structure of a language influences thought processes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What physical aid did Smith require due to the drug's effects during his experiment?

<p>An artificial respirator (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Nebraska 1919 Siman Act specifically prohibit?

<p>Teaching any subject in a language other than English. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence for someone found guilty of violating the Siman Act?

<p>A fine ranging from $25 to $100 or jail time. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What cultural context contributed to the legislation against foreign languages?

<p>Post-war sentiment against Germany and its culture. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of languages were permitted to be taught according to the law?

<p>Only dead languages like Latin and Greek. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which state did the arrest of Robert Meyer take place?

<p>Nebraska (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which age group was primarily targeted by the law forbidding foreign language instruction?

<p>Children under 13 years of age. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one objection to the theory that language determines world views?

<p>Same language can have differing world views. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What example illustrates the notion of same language yet different world views?

<p>A monolingual family with diverse religious beliefs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the theory predict about differing political beliefs among monolingual speakers?

<p>They should express identical opinions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can one argue that different languages can coincide with similar world views?

<p>Cultural similarities outweigh linguistic differences. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which doctrine is noted as being shared by speakers of various languages?

<p>Christian doctrine (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In discussing language influence, what cultural aspect is cited as a factor in nations adopting Communism?

<p>Historical events and circumstances. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The assertion that multilinguals have a unitary world view suggests what implication about language and perspective?

<p>Diversity in language leads to complexity in views. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What common misconception does the theory address regarding the relationship between language and worldview?

<p>World views are entirely determined by language. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Curare-like drug

A drug that temporarily induces complete paralysis of voluntary muscles.

Researcher Smith's experiment

An experiment where Smith injected himself with a paralysis-inducing drug to study thinking without body movement.

Thought and body movement

Smith's findings suggested that thought is not dependent on body movement or speech organs.

Language is essential for thought

The theory that language is necessary for constructing thoughts and reasoning.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Proponents of language theory

Theorists like Sapir, Whorf, and Vygotsky argue that language rules are vital for thought.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sapir's opinion on thinking

Sapir believed that thinking without language is an illusion.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Vygotsky on thought

Vygotsky stated that thought comes into existence through words and language.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Background linguistic system

The grammar of a language shapes ideas and influences mental activity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Speech and Thought

The theory that thought originates from speech production and behavior.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Behaviourism

A psychological approach focusing on observable behaviors rather than the mind.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Proponents of the theory

Psychologists and linguists advocating that thought is verbal behavior.

Signup and view all the flashcards

B.F. Skinner

A psychologist known for his behaviorist views on thought and speech.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Motor Theory of Speech Perception

The idea that we must internally repeat speech to understand it.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Liberman's Contribution

Proposed that articulation mediates speech perception.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Objections to the Theory

Critiques that raise doubts about the relationship of speech to thought.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Intangible Nature of Thought

The abstract quality of thought that can't always be observed.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Simultaneous language learning

Children acquiring multiple languages at the same time from birth.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Monolingual children

Children who speak only one language.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Language perception theory

The theory that language shapes how we perceive the world.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Inadequacies of the theory

Arguments against the idea that language determines perception.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Vocabulary and perception

Research shows that needs influence vocabulary, not vice versa.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Interest drives vocabulary

Children's interest influences their vocabulary acquisition.

Signup and view all the flashcards

American children's interests

Children are fascinated by dinosaurs, influencing their vocabulary.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Psycholinguistics

The study of the relationship between language, thought, and culture.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Siman Act

A Nebraska law prohibiting teaching foreign languages to children under 13.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Robert Meyer

A Sunday School teacher arrested for violating the Siman Act.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Nebraska

U.S. state where the Siman Act was enacted.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Foreign Language Restriction

Legal limitation on teaching languages other than English to minors.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cultural Influence of Language

How language shapes cultural views and perceptions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Impact of War on Language Policy

The influence of historical events on language teaching laws.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Dead Languages

Languages that are no longer spoken in daily life, like Latin.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Hopi language and time

Whorf claimed Hopi lacks time-related words, affecting concepts of space and time.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Gipper's findings on Hopi

Gipper discovered Hopi has various expressions for time despite lacking formal tense.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Malotki's conclusion about language

Malotki states that differences arise from experience, not language alone.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Counterfactual thinking in Chinese

Bloom suggested Chinese speakers struggle with hypotheticals due to grammar differences.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Au's critique of Bloom

Au found faulty translations led to misconceptions about Chinese language and thinking.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Munduruku language

Munduruku has words only up to 5, affecting numerical understanding.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Piraha language

Piraha has words for 1, 2, and 'many', indicating limitations in numerical concepts.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Research on numerical understanding

Studies show limited vocabulary in Amazonian languages affects conceptual understanding.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Inadequacy of language theory

The theory suggesting language shapes world views is insufficient as it fails to account for cultural and individual variations.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Same language, different world views

Speakers of the same language can have vastly differing beliefs and ideologies.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Examples of worldview diversity

Diverse religious beliefs within a single English-speaking family contradict the idea that language dictates worldview.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Different languages, similar world views

People speaking different languages can share similar political and philosophical perspectives.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cultural influence over language

Cultural and historical events, rather than language, shape political and social beliefs.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Variation in ideology

Philosophical, religious, and political ideologies vary even among monolingual speakers.

Signup and view all the flashcards

World view changes over time

The world view of speakers of the same language can evolve, showing further limits of language's impact.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Unitary world view in multilinguals

Multilingual individuals may possess a coherent world view that transcends their different languages.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Chapter 9: Language, Thought, and Culture

  • Relationship of language, thought, and culture: A central topic in psycholinguistics, exploring whether speech/language is necessary for thought, how language influences culture, and how language affects perception of nature and society.

9.1 A Relationship at the Heart of Psycholinguistics

  • The 1920 Meyer Case: A Nebraska law prohibited teaching foreign languages to children under 13. Robert Meyer, a Sunday school teacher, was arrested for teaching German to a 10-year-old student. This case exemplifies the broader question of the relationship between language and culture.
  • Nebraska's 1919 Siman Act: The law prohibited teaching subjects in any language other than English to children under 13. It also outlined penalties.

9.1.1 The Arrest of the Sunday School Teacher

  • Background of the Case: The case occurred in Hamilton County, Nebraska, in 1920.
  • Specifics of the Law Violation: Meyer violated the law by teaching German to a 10-year-old student, in a parochial school, despite the law only allowing foreign language instruction to students above eighth grade.
  • The Penalty: The maximum fine of $100 for violating the law and a mandatory imprisonment of up to 30 days.
  • Impact of the Case: The case illustrates the cultural and political context of the U.S. in 1920.

9.1.2 Can We Distinguish a "Safe" from a "Harmful" Second Language?

  • Distinguishing "safe" from "harmful" languages: The question of identifying suitable languages for children based on social and cultural acceptability. This poses a challenge.

9.2 Four Theories Regarding the Dependence of Thought and Culture on Language

  • Theory 1: Speech is Essential for Thought: Proponents believe thought originates in speech production. Key figures include behaviorists like Skinner and Watson.
  • Theory 2: Language is Essential for Thought: Language is essential for thinking; theorists like Sapir, Whorf, and Vygotsky argue this is true.
  • Theory 3: Language Determines or Shapes Our Perception of Nature: Language shapes how we perceive the world, influences our concepts, and vocabulary determines a nation's understanding of the world.
  • Theory 4: Language Determines or Shapes Our World View: Language shapes culture and social understanding.

9.3 Theory 1: Speech is Essential for Thought

  • Proponents of the Theory: Proponents of this theory include several prominent psychologists and philosophers.
  • Inadequacies of the Theory: Critiques of theory 1 question the necessity of speech for thought, arguing children who can't speak still think and understand.

9.3.2.1 Children Having No Speech Production

  • Children without speech still have thoughts that they can comprehend and think
  • Lack of speech doesn't correlate to lack of thinking

9.4 Theory 2: Language Is Essential for Thought

  • Proponents of Theory 2: Sapir, Vygotsky, Whorf
  • Critiques of Theory 2: The existence of multilinguals with seemingly interconnected worldviews despite different language systems.

9.5 Theory 3: Language Determines or Shapes Our Perception of Nature

  • Proponents of Theory 3: Whorf, Korzybski, Sapir
  • Inadequacies of Theory 3: Critiques of the arguments for language determining perception.

9.5.2.1 Perception, Interest, and Need Determine Vocabulary

  • Perception drives the development of vocabulary.
  • Vocabulary use is driven by perceived needs.

9.6 Theory 4: Language Determines or Shapes Our Cultural World View

  • Proponents of Theory 4: Sapir, Whorf, Korzybski
  • Inadequacies of Theory 4: Critiques of the theory, regarding language and cultural world views.

9.6.2.1 Same language, yet different world views

  • Different world views exist amongst people who speak the same language.
  • This conflicts with the central claim of the theory.

9.7 Erroneous beliefs underlying the four theories

  • Critical analysis of the beliefs that underpin the four theories.
  • The idea that language is the source of thoughts is incorrect.

9.8 The Best Theory: Thought is Independent of Language

  • John Locke's perspective: Language is derived from thought and used for communicating thoughts

9.8.2 The Development of Thought Precedes Development of Language

  • Thought precedes language development in children.
  • Thought and language are intertwined.

9.8.3 The Notion of "Thinking in Language."

  • Thinking is separate from language.
  • Language is only a means of representing thoughts.

9.8.4 John Locke

  • Locke's perspective on language and thought - language is derived from thought.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Language, Thought, and Culture Chapter 9 PDF

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser