Language and Thought

Start with language and cognition

The notes with study questions offer a starting point. They ask you to define cognition and language and identify properties of language. Use them to see which terms you already recognize and which need more attention.

Next, turn to the flashcards titled Language and Cognition. They include questions about the relationship between language and cognition, as well as linguistic relativity. Use the cards to practice recalling ideas before looking back at the notes.

Follow the ideas in mind maps

The maps titled Nativism and thought explore questions about how people come to think about concepts and how language relates to thought. One also outlines a constructivist view in which language emerges from cognitive development.

For a broader view, the mind map on language and thinking covers mental representation, syntax and semantics. Another map on language includes material on Broca, Wernicke and communication abilities. Compare the maps to see which terms appear in more than one resource.

Use a quiz alongside a map

The quiz Language, thought and imitation includes questions on linguistic determinism and investigations into language and thought. Try it after looking at the relevant notes and maps. If a question is difficult, return to the material on linguistic relativity and check the terms before trying again.

You can also use a map as a prompt: cover its details, explain an idea in your own words, then uncover the map and compare your explanation with it.

Explore the unit

Language and Thought is a section of the Language and Communication unit in Psychology. The resources on this page bring together questions about language, thinking and communication, giving you several ways to approach this part of the unit.

Choose a map or quiz and start exploring the connections.