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?
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- INTRODUCTION
- OBJECTIVISM
- SAPIR-WHORF-HYPOTHESIS
- SHORT HISTORY
- Gottfried Leibniz
- Johann Gottfried von Herder
- Wilhelm von Humboldt
- Franz Boas
- Edward Sapir
- Benjamin Lee Whorf
- LINGUISTIC RELATIVITY VS. LINGUISTIC DETERMINISM
- SHORT HISTORY
- METAPHOR ACCORDING TO LAKOFF AND JOHNSON
- OBJECTIVIST VIEW OF METAPHOR
- LAKOFF AND JOHNSON'S VIEW OF METAPHOR
- GENERAL DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION
- CRITICISM FROM THE SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY
- INTEGRATING SAPIR, WHORF, LAKOFF AND JOHNSON'S THEORIES
- UNIVERSAL GRAMMAR
- OVERCOMING LINGUISTIC RELATIVITY IN COMMUNICATION ACROSS CULTURES
- OVERCOMING IDEOLOGY AND MANIPULATION
- SCIENCE
- EVALUATION OF THE SEMINAR
- REFERENCES
- PRIMARY SOURCE
- SECONDARY SOURCES
- INDEX
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The paper explores the relationship between language and thought by analyzing two prominent theories: the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis and the metaphor approach by Lakoff and Johnson. Both theories challenged traditional objectivist views and sparked debate within the scientific community. The paper aims to outline the historical development of these theories and examine their core arguments, focusing on the concept of linguistic relativity and the role of metaphor in everyday language.
- The influence of language on thought and cognition
- The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis and its implications for linguistic relativity
- The theory of metaphor by Lakoff and Johnson and its impact on our understanding of language
- The objectivist view of language and its limitations
- The role of cultural context and historical influences on language and thought
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter introduces the paper's scope and the two main theories under investigation. It establishes the context for the subsequent analysis, highlighting the impact of these theories on the scientific community.
Chapter 2 examines the traditional objectivist view of language and metaphor, which emphasizes the direct and fixed nature of meaning. The chapter critiques this view and introduces the concept of the conduit metaphor as a common misconception about communication.
Chapter 3 provides a historical overview of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, tracing its roots back to Gottfried Leibniz and its development through the work of Johann Gottfried von Herder, Wilhelm von Humboldt, Franz Boas, Edward Sapir, and Benjamin Lee Whorf.
Chapter 4 explores the theory of metaphor developed by Lakoff and Johnson, contrasting their perspective with the objectivist view. It examines their key arguments and the importance of metaphor in understanding everyday language.
Chapter 5 delves into a broader discussion and reflection on both the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis and the theory of metaphor, highlighting their similarities and differences. The chapter aims to integrate the two approaches and explore potential areas of convergence.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The primary focus of the paper lies on the exploration of language and its relation to thought, specifically through the lens of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis and the theory of metaphor. Key terms and concepts include linguistic relativity, linguistic determinism, metaphor, objectivism, conduit metaphor, communication, culture, cognition, and scientific debate.
- Quote paper
- Christoph Burger (Author), 2010, Metaphor and the Sapir-Whorf-Hypothesis, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/146603
