Problem Solving and Language

Psycholinguistic and Educational Implications of Deafness

“…And to many recent investigators as well, deaf children appeared to be the ideal population on which to test one aspect of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis that the structure of language influences the way one thinks -namely, whether the absence, or a relative dearth, of language correlates directly with disabilities in thinking, in understanding, and in solving problems. Consequently, various studies of conceptual ability have used deaf subjects as 'language-absent' controls [e.g., VanderWoude, 1970]. Such studies have unquestionably demonstrated similar cognitive processes in deaf and hearing subjects, and many reviewers have concluded from these findings that the 'absence of language' does not substantially hinder 'think ing' [e.g., Rosenstein, 1961;Carrol, 1964].…”

Language development's relationship to cognition, affectivity and intelligence.

“…Robert Ardrey (1966) suggests that man shares with birds and other animals a territorial nature. The "territorial imperative" -to defend certain areas against invasion -is common throughout the animal kingdom and likewise is easily observed in gangs of juvenile delinquents who stake out and protect their "turf" (Thrasher, 1927). A recent Maryland guber-natorial candidate ran a vigorous campaign based on the territorial slogan, "Your home is your castle.…”