Page 76 - The Modul of Psycholinguistics Studies_2

Thought must have some basis other than language. The
following examples can prove this statement. E.g:

1) Monkeys (without language) can develop some simple
counting and arithmetic abilities.

2) Insects (also without language) can think of strategies
for gathering food, defending themselves and finding
mates. Since animals can think without language,

there is no reason to believe that humans cannot do
the same.
Theory 3: Language determines or shapes our perception

of nature (The learning of language will determine or influence
the way we perceive the physical world, visually, auditorily, etc.)

Proponent: One‟s knowledge of vocabulary or syntax
influences one‟s perception and understanding of nature.
Inadequacies of the theory:

a. Perception, interest and need determine vocabulary.
It is our interest and need that determine our coinage of

vocabulary and its use.
E.g Children, from all over the world, are enchanted by
dinosaurs >> They perceive the types of dinosaurs>>

Through perception, they develop their interest in
dinosaurs and later they feel the need to seek the names

of these objects.
b. Colour and snow vocabulary.
Rather than language determining perception, it is

perception that determines language.
-Colour words.

E.g Speakers of a language with limited repertoire of
colour terms appeared no different from speakers with
76 | Fatma Yuniarti, M.Pd., B.I