Is our cognitive reasoning limited by our vocabulary?

Question

ie: if we don't have the words to say it, can we think it?

Answer 1

No, we can think of it but just can't express it. We are in the same situation as a person in a cognitive coma. Our mind is working but we can't reveal our awareness.

Answer 2

I don't think my own, personal reasoning is affected because I have a fairly large vocabulary. However, communicating my own reasonings and musings can be troublesome if the person I am talking to doesn't understand a word I'm saying, and I absolutely refuse to "dumb down" for the simple fact that I would find it patronising if the positions were reversed.

So, I don't think cognitive reasoning is limited, but communal reasoning can be. Shouldn't be, but often is.

Answer 3

Not necessarily. When I was a small child I spent a great deal of time in the mirror. I was not vain, I wanted to see the life of the little girl (myself) in there beyond when she came to the mirror at the same time as I did.
I remember doing this as early as three years old. I certainly did not have vocabulary to express the notion of "alter ego" or "two dimensional worlds," yet I had a concept of it I was certainly trying to explore!
I gave up the notion at four or so when I gained sufficient vocabulary to express this notion to my mother. She explained that I was looking at my reflection. So in this case, vocabulary limited my imagination, if not my cognition.

Answer 4

Vocabulary (Ability to express yourself) is a product of cognitive reasonong. Ask yourself this simple question; Which would have to be developed first? Obviously you would have to have some ability to reason before language skills could be developed. So, in my opinon, Cognitive reasoning cannot be limited by vocabulary.

Answer 5

GOOD Q.

Spot on in understanding that we usually "Think" in words. Evolution is the cause.

I have to believe however, in a Philosophical sense, there are those who "Think" alternatively. WHAT they think may not be relevant globally, but that truly doesn't matter, as we all basically "Live, and pass through this life,,,ALONE"

Beyond that, the best minds, have historically also been the most non vocal people.

Rev. Steven

Answer 6

No. You don't use words in your mind when you are working a puzzle. Instead you see the shape of the pieces and your mind sees how to put them together. Vocabulary is only important when trying to express your thoughts to others.

Answer 7

Words are very limiting sometimes, often the smallest words are used to explain the biggest emotions/events, this is due to years of emotional neglect by our hierarchy and I blame the French media.

Answer 8

even if our words cannot explain something, it doesnt mean that you cannot think it. even i have had moments where i couldn't put a thought to words. its just much more difficult to explain this thought to another person if words cannot describe it. in other words:
just because there is no word to describe it does not mean that it doesn't exsist

Answer 9

Yes If u use biger words it sound like u know what u are talking about

Answer 10

i would think not, if u were in china and didn't know the language your premise would imply we would not be able to know we were hungry. a better example might be a newborn not knowing any language cries when she wants something(food, attention,etc.) thought precedes communication.