In the introduction to the "Language" chapter in your text, the authors report that the German language distinguishes between 30 different kinds of kisses. You hypothesize that German speakers can tell the difference between one kiss and another with greater accuracy than can English speakers. Is such a result consistent with the Whorfian hypothesis? Is such a hypothesis likely to be confirmed by empirical research?
A) Such a result is consistent with the Whorfian hypothesis. Such a hypothesis is likely to be confirmed by empirical research
B) Such a result is consistent with the Whorfian hypothesis. Such a hypothesis is not likely to be confirmed by empirical research
C) Such a result is consistent with the Whorfian hypothesis. Such a hypothesis is likely to be confirmed by empirical research.
D) Such a result is inconsistent with the Whorfian hypothesis. Such a hypothesis is not likely to be confirmed by empirical research.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Whorfian hypothesis, or linguistic relativity, suggests that the structure of a language affects its speakers' worldview or cognition. Therefore, if German speakers have more words for different kinds of kisses, it could imply they perceive these differences more distinctly than English speakers, aligning with the Whorfian hypothesis. However, empirical research on linguistic relativity often yields mixed results, making it challenging to confirm such specific hypotheses.

In the Introduction to the "Language" Chapter in Your Text