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Related Concept Videos

Language and Cognition01:27

Language and Cognition

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Language serves as a bridge between ideas and communication, influencing how individuals perceive and interact with the world. Psychologists have long debated whether language shapes thought or vice versa. This discussion gained grip with Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf in the 1940s, who proposed that language determines thought, a concept known as linguistic determinism. They suggested that the vocabulary and structure of a language influence how its speakers think and perceive reality.
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Schemata01:17

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A schema is a mental construct that organizes related concepts, allowing the brain to process information efficiently. Upon activation, schemata facilitate assumptions about people or objects.
Two types of schemata are:
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Language Development01:22

Language Development

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Children master language quickly and with relative ease, supported by both biological predisposition and reinforcement. B. F. Skinner (1957) proposed that language is learned through reinforcement, while Noam Chomsky (1965) argued that language acquisition mechanisms are biologically determined.
The critical period for language acquisition suggests that the ability to acquire language is at its peak early in life. As people age, this proficiency decreases. Language development begins very...
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Language01:16

Language

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Language is a unique communication system that uses words and systematic rules to organize and transmit information. Unlike other forms of communication, which may involve postures, movements, odors, or vocalizations, language relies on symbols and grammar. This makes human communication distinct from that of other species, who also communicate but do not use language in the same way humans do.
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Components of Language01:24

Components of Language

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Language, whether spoken, signed, or written, consists of specific components: lexicon and grammar. The lexicon is the vocabulary of a language, comprising its words. Grammar is the set of rules used to convey meaning through the lexicon. For example, English grammar adds “-ed” to most verbs to indicate past tense. Words are formed by combining phonemes, which are the basic sound units of a language. Different languages have different sets of phonemes (e.g., “ah” vs.
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Reasoning01:30

Reasoning

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Reasoning is the action of thinking about something in a logical, sensible way. It is integral to problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking. Reasoning can be inductive or deductive. Reasoning involves transforming information into conclusions, which is essential for problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking.
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How Linguistic Metaphor Scaffolds Reasoning.

Paul H Thibodeau1, Rose K Hendricks2, Lera Boroditsky2

  • 1Department of Psychology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, USA.

Trends in Cognitive Sciences
|August 10, 2017
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Metaphoric language, though literally false, enhances communication and shapes thought. Research shows these linguistic devices guide behavior and thinking, with implications for various fields.

Keywords:
analogydecision makingframinglanguage and thoughtmetaphorreasoning

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Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Linguistics
  • Psychology of Language

Background:

  • Precise language is often assumed optimal for communication and cognition.
  • Everyday language frequently employs metaphor (e.g., 'crime is a virus').
  • Metaphorical expressions are pervasive despite their literal inaccuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence on how metaphoric language influences thought and behavior.
  • To explore conditions affecting metaphoric influence.
  • To discuss theoretical and practical implications of metaphor in cognition.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent experimental studies on linguistic metaphor.
  • Analysis of experimental findings demonstrating metaphor's impact on cognition.
  • Exploration of factors modulating the effectiveness of metaphors.

Main Results:

  • Linguistic metaphors demonstrably guide cognitive processes and behavior.
  • Metaphoric language can shape understanding and decision-making.
  • Specific conditions enhance the persuasive and cognitive power of metaphors.

Conclusions:

  • Metaphoric language plays a crucial role in human cognition and communication.
  • Understanding metaphor's influence is key for effective communication strategies.
  • Future research should further investigate the mechanisms and applications of metaphoric cognition.