In this paper I will discuss two different approaches investigating the nature of language and the relation between language and thought: (1) the Sapir-Whorf-hypothesis (also called theory of linguistic relativity) and (2) the metaphor approach of Lakoff and Johnson (1980). Both theories had a major impact on the scientific community when they were published and sparked important research but also major controversy and debate among many scholars. The main reason for their controversial reception was that both theories called into question the very foundation of the dominant view on language and thought, which is still very much alive.
The present paper is divided into six chapters. After this introduction, the second chapter will outline the traditional objectivist view of fixed meaning and metaphor, which is still prevalent in Western societies. In the third chapter I will briefly portray the Sapir-Whorf-hypothesis. The fourth chapter will deal with Lakoff and Johnson's approach to understanding language. In the following chapter, I reflect on both theory complexes, try to apply my theoretical knowledge and point out the similarities and differences of both approaches. Furthermore, I will try to suggest a few ideas around which both approaches could be combined. The sixth chapter is an evaluation.
As already indicated above, the current paper will be shaped by the two central questions: Does language influence or even determine the way we think? How important is the concept of metaphor when investigating the everyday use of language?
Table of Contents
- 1. INTRODUCTION
- 2. OBJECTIVISM
- 3. SAPIR-WHORF-HYPOTHESIS
- 3.1 SHORT HISTORY
- 3.1.1 Gottfried Leibniz
- 3.1.2 Johann Gottfried von Herder
- 3.1.3 Wilhelm von Humboldt
- 3.1.4 Franz Boas
- 3.1.5 Edward Sapir
- 3.1.6 Benjamin Lee Whorf
- 3.2 LINGUISTIC RELATIVITY VS. LINGUISTIC DETERMINISM
- 3.1 SHORT HISTORY
- 4. METAPHOR ACCORDING TO LAKOFF AND JOHNSON
- 4.1 OBJECTIVIST VIEW OF METAPHOR
- 4.2 LAKOFF AND JOHNSON'S VIEW OF METAPHOR
- 5. GENERAL DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION
- 5.1 CRITICISM FROM THE SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY
- 5.2 INTEGRATING SAPIR, WHORF, LAKOFF AND JOHNSON'S THEORIES
- 5.3 UNIVERSAL GRAMMAR
- 5.4 OVERCOMING LINGUISTIC RELATIVITY IN COMMUNICATION ACROSS CULTURES
- 5.5 OVERCOMING IDEOLOGY AND MANIPULATION
- 5.6 SCIENCE
- 6. EVALUATION OF THE SEMINAR
- 7. REFERENCES
- 7.1 PRIMARY SOURCE
- 7.2 SECONDARY SOURCES
- 8. INDEX
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to explore the relationship between language and thought by comparing and contrasting two influential theories: the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis and Lakoff and Johnson's theory of metaphor. It examines how these theories challenge the traditional objectivist view of language and meaning.
- The objectivist view of language and its limitations.
- The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis and linguistic relativity.
- Lakoff and Johnson's conceptual metaphor theory.
- Integration of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis and Lakoff and Johnson's theory.
- The implications of these theories for communication and understanding across cultures.
Chapter Summaries
1. INTRODUCTION: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the paper by outlining the central focus: an investigation into the relationship between language and thought, specifically by comparing the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis and Lakoff and Johnson's theory of metaphor. It highlights the controversial nature of both theories due to their challenge to the dominant objectivist view of language. The chapter lays out the paper's structure and introduces the two main guiding questions: Does language influence or determine thought? How significant is metaphor in everyday language use?
2. OBJECTIVISM: This chapter delves into the objectivist view of language prevalent in Western culture, which posits that language is a neutral tool for conveying pre-existing thoughts. It critiques this perspective by analyzing the "conduit metaphor," a misleading analogy portraying language as a simple container for ideas. The chapter argues that this objectivist view ignores the crucial role of context, cultural background, and the active participation of the hearer in meaning-making, leading to misunderstandings and inaccurate models of communication. It emphasizes the inherent subjectivity and context-dependency of meaning.
3. SAPIR-WHORF-HYPOTHESIS: This chapter provides a historical overview of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, presenting it as a counterpoint to objectivism. It traces the hypothesis's origins through various thinkers, from Leibniz and Herder to Boas, Sapir, and Whorf, highlighting the evolution of ideas concerning language's influence on thought and culture. The chapter lays the groundwork for understanding the core tenets of linguistic relativity and determinism, setting the stage for a deeper examination of the theory's implications.
4. METAPHOR ACCORDING TO LAKOFF AND JOHNSON: This chapter examines Lakoff and Johnson's theory of metaphor, contrasting their perspective with the objectivist view. It explores their argument that metaphor is not merely a figure of speech but a fundamental aspect of human cognition, shaping our understanding of the world. The chapter delves into how Lakoff and Johnson's work challenges the notion of fixed meanings and emphasizes the conceptual nature of metaphor.
5. GENERAL DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION: This chapter serves as a synthesis of the preceding chapters, exploring similarities and differences between the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis and Lakoff and Johnson's theory. It engages with criticisms of both perspectives within the scientific community. A crucial element is the attempt to integrate both theories, possibly suggesting ways in which they might complement or enhance one another. The chapter explores the broader implications of these theories in intercultural communication, ideology, manipulation, and scientific understanding.
Keywords
Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, linguistic relativity, linguistic determinism, metaphor, Lakoff and Johnson, objectivism, cognitive linguistics, language and thought, communication, culture.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this paper?
This paper explores the complex relationship between language and thought, focusing on how language shapes our understanding of the world. It achieves this by comparing and contrasting two influential theories: the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis and Lakoff and Johnson's theory of metaphor.
What are the key theories discussed?
The paper primarily examines the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, which explores linguistic relativity and determinism – the idea that language influences or even determines our thinking. It also delves into Lakoff and Johnson's theory of conceptual metaphor, arguing that metaphor is not just a figure of speech but a fundamental cognitive process.
How does the paper approach the topic?
The paper adopts a comparative approach, contrasting these two theories with the traditional objectivist view of language, which sees language as a neutral tool for expressing pre-existing thoughts. The paper critiques objectivism and explores the implications of the other two theories for communication, culture, and understanding.
What is the objectivist view of language, and how is it critiqued?
The objectivist view portrays language as a neutral conduit for transmitting pre-existing thoughts. The paper critiques this view, arguing that it oversimplifies the complexity of language and ignores the influence of context, culture, and the active role of the listener in meaning-making. The "conduit metaphor" is used as an example of this oversimplification.
What is the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, and what are its historical roots?
The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis proposes that language significantly shapes thought. The paper traces its historical development, highlighting contributions from figures like Leibniz, Herder, Humboldt, Boas, Sapir, and Whorf, showing how the understanding of language's influence on thought evolved over time. The key concepts of linguistic relativity and determinism are explained.
What is Lakoff and Johnson's theory of metaphor?
Lakoff and Johnson argue that metaphor is not merely a stylistic device but a fundamental aspect of human cognition. Their theory challenges the notion of fixed meanings and emphasizes the conceptual nature of metaphor, showing how it shapes our understanding of the world. The paper contrasts this view with the objectivist perspective.
How does the paper integrate the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis and Lakoff and Johnson's theory?
The paper aims to synthesize the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis and Lakoff and Johnson's theory, exploring their similarities and differences. It attempts to find common ground and potentially integrate the two theories to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the language-thought relationship.
What are the broader implications of these theories?
The paper discusses the implications of these theories for various aspects of life, including intercultural communication (overcoming linguistic relativity), the impact of ideology and manipulation, and the nature of scientific understanding.
What is included in the paper besides the theoretical discussions?
The paper includes a detailed table of contents, a clear statement of objectives and key themes, chapter summaries providing concise overviews of each section, and a list of keywords for easy reference and searchability.
Where can I find the complete text?
The complete text containing the detailed content of each chapter is not provided within this FAQ; this serves as a concise summary of the provided preview. Contact the publishing company for access to the full text.
- Quote paper
- Christoph Burger (Author), 2010, Metaphor and the Sapir-Whorf-Hypothesis, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/146603
