Whorf Hypothesis Sapir Linguistic Anthropology Anthropology

Whorf Hypothesis

The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis is most strongly associated with the writings of Benjamin Lee Whorf. It is also called "the Whorfian hypothesis," "the linguistic relativity hypothesis," or "linguistic determinism." In its strong form, which is generally rejected today, it implies that possible thoughts are effectively determined by language. In its weak form, it implies that language has a strong effect on thought.

• - 1999 overview of the history and development of the theories of linguistic determinism and linguistic relativity. By Rebecca Ash.
  
• - Assembled posts concerned with this issue.
  
• - An abstract from Daniel Chandler's 1995 "The Art of Writing." Argues for a moderate Whorfianism.
  
• - A 2001 student paper by Neil Parr-Davies. Compares the linguistic determinism of Benjamin Lee Whorf with technological determinism, represented by Marshall McLuhan.
  
• - A 1983 paper by Paul Kay and Willett Kempton, available in GIF and PostScript formats. Supports a weakened version of the hypothesis with evidence from the study of visual perception.
  
• - A discussion hosted by UsingEnglish.com about the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, and whether language shapes thought or thought shapes language.
  
• - Draft exploration of the value of the hypothesis. Includes general overview as well as detailed consideration of how the hypothesis is employed in contemporary studies.
  
• - A 1998 paper by John R. Skoyles. Considers the implications of research on deaf children raised by hearing parents. From the CogPrints Archive.
  
  

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