Full Description
This is the first textbook on the linguistic relativity hypothesis, presenting it in user-friendly language, yet analyzing all its premises in systematic ways. The hypothesis claims that there is an intrinsic interconnection between thought, language, and society. All technical terms are explained and a glossary is provided at the back of the volume. The book looks at the history and different versions of the hypothesis over the centuries, including the research paradigms and critiques that it has generated. It also describes and analyzes the relevant research designed to test its validity in various domains of language structure and use, from grammar and discourse to artificial languages and in nonverbal semiotic systems as well. Overall, this book aims to present a comprehensive overview of the hypothesis and its supporting research in a textbook fashion, with pedagogical activities in each chapter, including questions for discussion and practical exercises on specific notions associated with the hypothesis. The book also discusses the hypothesis as a foundational notion for the establishment of linguistic anthropology as a major branch of linguistics. This essential course text inspires creative, informed dialogue and debate for students of anthropology,linguistics, cultural studies, cognitive science, and psychology.
Contents
Contents
Preface
1. Overview
Prologue
Background
Linguistic Anthropology
Linguistic Relativity
Investigating Linguistic Relativity
Critiques
Epilogue
Discussion Questions and Activities
2. Early Research on Linguistic Relativity
Prologue
Franz Boas and Edward Sapir
Lev S. Vygotsky
Relevant Research Questions
Epilogue
Discussion Questions and Activities
3. The Whorfian Hypothesis
Prologue
The Hopi Language
Critical Reactions
Resurgence of Interest
Sound Symbolism
Epilogue
Discussion Questions and Activities
4. Vocabulary and Grammar
Prologue
Specialized Vocabulary
Kinship Terms
Color Terms
Grammar
Habitual Thought
Epilogue
Discussion Questions and Activities
5. Discourse and Translation
Prologue
Discursive Relativity
Translation
Machine Translation
Epilogue
Discussion Questions and Activities
6. Figurative Language
Prologue
Conceptual Metaphor Theory
Idealized Cognitive Models
Extensions
Epilogue
Discussion Questions and Activities
7. Computer-Mediated Communication, AI, and Artificial Languages
Prologue
Computer-Mediated Communication
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Languages
Epilogue
Implications of Linguistic Relativity
Concluding Remarks
Discussion Questions and Activities
Glossary
References
Index
