The Relationship between Language and Thought: How Does Language Shape Human Perception of the World?

Authors

  • John M. Francis

Keywords:

Language, thoughts, relationship, perception.

Abstract

Aim: The relationship between language and perception has been the subject of much research and debate in various fields, including linguistics, psychology, and philosophy. This paper aims to explore this relationship in-depth, focusing on how language shapes human perception of the world.

Methods: This study employed a systematic literature review methodology to analyze and synthesize existing research on the relationship between language and thought. The data source for this study was scholarly articles obtained from electronic databases and relevant academic journals. The literature search was conducted using academic databases such as Google Scholar, and PsycINFO. The search strategy involved a combination of keywords, Boolean operators, and inclusion/exclusion criteria to identify relevant articles.

Results: The relationship between language and thought is complex and multifaceted. Language serves as a medium through which human express, organize, and shape their thoughts, while thought processes, in turn, influence language production and comprehension. Understanding this relationship provides insights into the fundamental nature of human cognition and communication.

Conclusion: The specific categories and distinctions made in a language can influence how individuals perceive and interpret their environment.

Recommendation: This study recommends future researchers to conduct longitudinal studies to examine the developmental aspects of the relationship between language and thought. They can achieve this by following individuals over an extended period to observe how their language use and thought processes evolve over time, particularly in childhood and adolescence. This study also recommends utilization of advanced research methodologies and technologies to gain a deeper understanding of the language-thought relationship.

Author Biography

John M. Francis

Department of English, The George Washington University, USA.

References

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Published

2023-06-17

How to Cite

Francis, J. M. (2023). The Relationship between Language and Thought: How Does Language Shape Human Perception of the World?. Literature and Linguistics Journal, 2(2), 12–19. Retrieved from https://gprjournals.org/journals/index.php/llj/article/view/169