Language and Thought: Can We Think Without Language?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70091/Atras/vol06no02.49Keywords:
Cognition, language, language theories, thoughtAbstract
This article explores the complex relationship between language and thought, shedding light on research that examines the role of language in shaping human cognition and consciousness. Evidence from recent studies suggests that thinking can occur without full reliance on language, challenging traditional theories such as Chomsky's theory, which considers language an integral part of the thinking process. The article analyses neurobiological and behavioural research that has revealed how the brain networks responsible for thinking and reasoning may function independently of those involved in language processing. It also highlights the potential implications of these findings in the fields of education, psychology, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence, opening up new avenues for improving learning strategies and developing more effective AI systems. The article emphasises the need to study this relationship to understand the role of language in shaping cultural and social identities, offering new insights into the effects of language on thought.
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