LINGUISTIC RELATIVITY AND THE LANGUAGE LEARNING PROCESS
Abstract
A five-stage analysis of the language-learning process is presented, and in investigation is made of whether this analysis supports or contradicts the Whorfian hypothesis of linguistic relativity. The syntactic constructions of a language influence the types of conceptual relationship that the child perceives. Words and phrases grouped together by the conventions of the language have a determining effect on conceptual representations associated with them. This effect is somewhat mitigated by the transformational phase of language learning, which opens up the full range of stylistic devices available in a language, thus extending the number of percepts and concepts that may gain expression in that language. However, earlier perceptual and conceptual habits will probably persist throughout a person's adult life unless he is forced to change by some new experience, such as the mastery of a different language.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0644929
Entities
People
- Robert M. Schwarcz
Organizations
- RAND Corporation