Language and thought 2500-EN-COG-F27
With over 7000 distinct languages in the world differing on every level of structure, human language is the most varied communication system in the animal kingdom. Is this variation somehow reflected in how we think? Are there fundamental cognitive differences between people that could be attributed to the languages they speak? In this course, we review existing evidence for linguistic relativity (also known as Whorfian effects), according to which language plays a critical role in shaping thought. We discuss specific case studies of linguistic variation from across a wide range of domains, e.g., space, color, grammatical gender, attempting to link it to variation in different aspects of cognition, including perception, memory, and reasoning.
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Describe fundamental differences between languages across different semantic and grammatical domains (K_W01, K_K07)
- Describe variation in cognitive tasks in speakers of diverse languages (K_W01, K_K07)
- Critically evaluate the relationship between linguistic and cognitive diversity and evidence for influence of language on thought (K_W02, K_U01)
- Prepare a written proposal of research investigating the topic of language and thought in a specific domain: survey the existing literature, design research to address the main question, describe details of the selected methodological approach, and discuss the possible results and their potential implications for the identified research question (K_U02, K_U06, K_U08, K_K06)
Assessment criteria
- Written exam (70%)
- Research proposal, 2500-3000 words (30%).
Students are expected to prepare a written research proposal (without actually carrying out the research) following an academic report format. The proposal should consist of the following parts: (1) Introduction, reviewing background literature and articulating the main research question, (2) Method, with details as to how research would be conducted, (3) Conclusion, with possible results and explication of how the proposed research speaks to the central research question, and (4) References, including at least 15 relevant items in the reference list
Two absences are allowed. Additional absences require a note from a doctor or an exceptional personal circumstance.
Students must respect the principles of academic integrity. Cheating and plagiarism (including copying work from other students, internet or other sources) are serious violations that are punishable and instructors are required to report all cases to the administration.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: