Question:
Read the following passage and answer the question below.
The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, also known as the linguistic relativity hypothesis, refers to the proposal that the particular language one speaks influences the way one thinks about reality. The linguistic relativity hypothesis focuses on structural differences among natural languages such as Hopi, Chinese, and English, and asks whether the classifications of reality implicit in such structures affect our thinking about reality. Analytically, linguistic relativity as an issue stands between two others: a semiotic-level concern with how speaking any natural language whatsoever might influence the general potential for human thinking, and a functional or discourse-level concern with how using any given language code in a particular way might influence thinking, that is, the impact of special discursive practices such as schooling and literacy on formal thought. Although analytically distinct, the three issues are intimately related in both theory and practice. For example, claims about linguistic relativity depend on understanding the general psychological mechanisms linking language to thinking, and on understanding the diverse uses of speech in discourse to accomplish acts of descriptive reference. Hence, the relation of particular linguistic structures to patterns of thinking forms only one part of the broader array of questions about the significance of language for thought. Proposals of linguistic relativity necessarily develop two linked claims among the key terms of the hypothesis, language, thought, and reality. First, languages differ significantly in their interpretations of experienced reality, both what they select for representation and how they arrange it. Second, language interpretations have influences on thought about reality more generally, whether at the individual or cultural level. Claims for linguistic relativity thus require both articulating the contrasting interpretations of reality latent in the structures of different languages, and accessing their broader influences on, or relationships to, the cognitive interpretation of reality.
Question: If the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis were to be true, which of the following conclusions would logically follow?
1. To develop vernacular languages, government should promote public debates and discourses.
2. Promote vernacular languages as medium of instruction in schools.
3. Cognitive and cultural realities are related.
Read the following passage and answer the question below.
The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, also known as the linguistic relativity hypothesis, refers to the proposal that the particular language one speaks influences the way one thinks about reality. The linguistic relativity hypothesis focuses on structural differences among natural languages such as Hopi, Chinese, and English, and asks whether the classifications of reality implicit in such structures affect our thinking about reality. Analytically, linguistic relativity as an issue stands between two others: a semiotic-level concern with how speaking any natural language whatsoever might influence the general potential for human thinking, and a functional or discourse-level concern with how using any given language code in a particular way might influence thinking, that is, the impact of special discursive practices such as schooling and literacy on formal thought. Although analytically distinct, the three issues are intimately related in both theory and practice. For example, claims about linguistic relativity depend on understanding the general psychological mechanisms linking language to thinking, and on understanding the diverse uses of speech in discourse to accomplish acts of descriptive reference. Hence, the relation of particular linguistic structures to patterns of thinking forms only one part of the broader array of questions about the significance of language for thought. Proposals of linguistic relativity necessarily develop two linked claims among the key terms of the hypothesis, language, thought, and reality. First, languages differ significantly in their interpretations of experienced reality, both what they select for representation and how they arrange it. Second, language interpretations have influences on thought about reality more generally, whether at the individual or cultural level. Claims for linguistic relativity thus require both articulating the contrasting interpretations of reality latent in the structures of different languages, and accessing their broader influences on, or relationships to, the cognitive interpretation of reality.
Question: If the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis were to be true, which of the following conclusions would logically follow?
1. To develop vernacular languages, government should promote public debates and discourses.
2. Promote vernacular languages as medium of instruction in schools.
3. Cognitive and cultural realities are related.
The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, also known as the linguistic relativity hypothesis, refers to the proposal that the particular language one speaks influences the way one thinks about reality. The linguistic relativity hypothesis focuses on structural differences among natural languages such as Hopi, Chinese, and English, and asks whether the classifications of reality implicit in such structures affect our thinking about reality. Analytically, linguistic relativity as an issue stands between two others: a semiotic-level concern with how speaking any natural language whatsoever might influence the general potential for human thinking, and a functional or discourse-level concern with how using any given language code in a particular way might influence thinking, that is, the impact of special discursive practices such as schooling and literacy on formal thought. Although analytically distinct, the three issues are intimately related in both theory and practice. For example, claims about linguistic relativity depend on understanding the general psychological mechanisms linking language to thinking, and on understanding the diverse uses of speech in discourse to accomplish acts of descriptive reference. Hence, the relation of particular linguistic structures to patterns of thinking forms only one part of the broader array of questions about the significance of language for thought. Proposals of linguistic relativity necessarily develop two linked claims among the key terms of the hypothesis, language, thought, and reality. First, languages differ significantly in their interpretations of experienced reality, both what they select for representation and how they arrange it. Second, language interpretations have influences on thought about reality more generally, whether at the individual or cultural level. Claims for linguistic relativity thus require both articulating the contrasting interpretations of reality latent in the structures of different languages, and accessing their broader influences on, or relationships to, the cognitive interpretation of reality.
Question: If the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis were to be true, which of the following conclusions would logically follow?
1. To develop vernacular languages, government should promote public debates and discourses.
2. Promote vernacular languages as medium of instruction in schools.
3. Cognitive and cultural realities are related.
Show Hint
Separate prescriptive policy suggestions from statements that are pure logical consequences of the hypothesis.
Updated On: Jul 10, 2026
- 1 only
- 2 only
- 3 only
- 1 and 2
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
We are told to assume the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, that language shapes thought about reality, is true, and then check which of the three given statements would logically follow from it.
Step 2: Key Concept or Approach:
A statement follows logically only if it is a direct consequence of the hypothesis itself. A policy recommendation about what the government should do is not a logical consequence of a descriptive claim about how language and thought relate, it is a separate value judgement. Only a statement that restates the hypothesis's own content, in different words, truly follows from it.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Statement 1 says the government should promote public debates to develop vernacular languages. This is a policy prescription about what should be done, the hypothesis itself makes no claim about government action, so this does not logically follow from it.
Statement 2 says vernacular languages should be the medium of instruction in schools. This is again a should statement about policy, not a claim about language and thought, so it also fails to follow purely from the hypothesis.
Statement 3 says cognitive and cultural realities are related. Language is a core part of culture, and the hypothesis directly claims that language, which is cultural, shapes thought, which is cognitive. So saying cognitive and cultural realities are related is simply restating the hypothesis in general terms, this is a genuine logical consequence.
Since only statement 3 is a true logical consequence, options built from 1 or 2 can be ruled out, leaving only the option built from statement 3 alone.
Step 4: Final Answer:
Only statement 3 follows logically from the hypothesis, so the answer is 3 only.
\[ \boxed{\text{3 only}} \]
We are told to assume the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, that language shapes thought about reality, is true, and then check which of the three given statements would logically follow from it.
Step 2: Key Concept or Approach:
A statement follows logically only if it is a direct consequence of the hypothesis itself. A policy recommendation about what the government should do is not a logical consequence of a descriptive claim about how language and thought relate, it is a separate value judgement. Only a statement that restates the hypothesis's own content, in different words, truly follows from it.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Statement 1 says the government should promote public debates to develop vernacular languages. This is a policy prescription about what should be done, the hypothesis itself makes no claim about government action, so this does not logically follow from it.
Statement 2 says vernacular languages should be the medium of instruction in schools. This is again a should statement about policy, not a claim about language and thought, so it also fails to follow purely from the hypothesis.
Statement 3 says cognitive and cultural realities are related. Language is a core part of culture, and the hypothesis directly claims that language, which is cultural, shapes thought, which is cognitive. So saying cognitive and cultural realities are related is simply restating the hypothesis in general terms, this is a genuine logical consequence.
Since only statement 3 is a true logical consequence, options built from 1 or 2 can be ruled out, leaving only the option built from statement 3 alone.
Step 4: Final Answer:
Only statement 3 follows logically from the hypothesis, so the answer is 3 only.
\[ \boxed{\text{3 only}} \]
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