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Language is not essential for the cognitive processes that underlie thought

(www.scientificamerican.com)
549 points orcul | 1 comments | 17 Oct 24 12:10 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source
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bassrattle ◴[19 Oct 24 18:43 UTC] No.41889709[source]▶
Is this the death of the Sapir-Whorf theory?
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xiande04 ◴[19 Oct 24 18:53 UTC] No.41889785[source]▶
No. Just because words are not needed for cognitive processes, does not mean that people still can and do think in language. The properties of that language could then influence thought. This is known as the Weak Sapir-Whorf hypothesis (note "hypothesis", not "theory").
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1. numpad0 ◴[20 Oct 24 07:23 UTC] No.41893595[source]▶
This also doesn't say that the non-literal cognitive process is DNA-wired logic. Could very well be culturally constructed as well.

IMO this rather reinforce Sapir-Whorf positions than refute, it means more than literal language/grammar influence thoughts. That's directly against UG theory that predetermined rigid grammar is all you need.