When we are thinking to ourselves we think in words. This is inevitable once we learn a language. Is it possible to find a way of thinking that is pure, unobstructed by words or language and make practical use of it? Is this the way that infants think?
2007-08-25 12:02:24 · 6 answers · asked by Harry Lillis 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
aceproceed - Thank you for your answer but I wonder something. Does this mean that without langauge I could not have perceptions and intentions such as:
That woman was ugly, or
This is going to take a long time, or
I would like to see what's over that mountain?
Do you mean that without language our thoughts would be like those of a dog or a cow?
2007-08-25 12:30:27 · update #1
Abstract thought requires language.
This is explored in detail in George Orwell's 1984. The government is seeking to shrink language by creating "Newspeak". The idea is, that if you eliminate the means to express a particular concept through oral or written language, then people would be incapable of considering it.
Non-linguistic thought is the Id, the kind of unconscious urges and feelings which certainly influence our behavior and mindset, but cannot be easily put into words.
But the kind of abstract thought above our unconscious mind is inseperable from language. It doesn't exist without language. Thought without language cannot go beyond the most basic attention to immediate matters relating to one's personal situation.
2007-08-25 12:14:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i guess you don't analyze anything when you can't express emotion in words, like you don't tell yourself i'm angry! you simply have an urge/instinctual feeling to scream or hurt something or maybe you have an urge to cry when you feel sad. everyone has instincts, but they don't have to THINK about the instinct (like pulling away when you touch fire), so they dont' have to describe it in terms of words? their instinct tells them what to do and they do it.
babies don't have much logic. they cry when they're hungry because it's a feeling they have, a signal of the brain responding to a need for nutrition. so the baby in return cries. when they feel pain, their brain recieves the nerve reception and in turn, once again, they cry. they don't think "i have been hurt. i shall be sad now. i'll cry." haha i hope i make some sense...this was a really interesting question btw. really made me think. thanks for asking! hope u find a worthy answer. ;]
2007-08-25 20:13:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
thats a good question and i have wondered what language bi lingual people dream in. i have asked a few bi lingual people at work and they thought about it but didnt know the answer. i think in english but i also see what im thinking about. sometimes i even see the spelled words when im thinking. sounds weird i know. this doesnt really answer your question tho but just alittle added info
2007-08-25 19:15:20 · answer #3 · answered by AlwaysWondering 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Once you discover that you are not your thoughts, you will realize the minds language is "conflict". Do it-Do it- Do it---- Why'd you do it????
2007-08-25 19:22:30 · answer #4 · answered by Premaholic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you find out let us know that would be great.
2007-08-25 19:07:23 · answer #5 · answered by happily a libran 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
aceproceed's answer is BRILLANT!
2007-08-25 19:26:47 · answer #6 · answered by 1234 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋