The Whorf Theory Complex: A critical reconstruction
Dr. Penny Lee
At last — a comprehensive account of the ideas of Benjamin Lee Whorf which not only explains the nature and logic of the linguistic relativity principle but also situates it within a larger ‘theory complex’ delineated in fascinating detail. Whorf’s almost unknown unpublished writings (as well as his published papers) are drawn on to show how twelve elements of theory interweave in a sophisticated account of relations between language, mind, and experience. The role of language in cognition is revealed as a central concern, some of his insights having interesting affinity with modern connectionism. Whorf’s gestaltic ‘isolates’ of experience and meaning, crucial to understanding his reasoning about linguistic relativity, are explained. A little known report written for the Yale anthropology department is used extensively and published for the first time as an appendix. With the Whorf centenary in 1997, this book provides a timely challenge to those who take pleasure in debunking his ideas without bothering to explore their subtlety or even reading them in their original form.
Catégories:
Année:
1996
Editeur::
John Benjamins Publishing Company
Langue:
english
Pages:
334
ISBN 10:
1556196180
ISBN 13:
9781556196188
Collection:
Studies in the History of the Language Sciences
Fichier:
PDF, 39.01 MB
IPFS:
,
english, 1996