Text 1: Cognitive scientist Dr. Emma Wong studies language and thought. "Language shapes perception and cognition," Wong writes. "Speakers of different languages notice different aspects of reality. Thought isn't independent of linguistic categories."
Text 2: Psycholinguist Dr. James Chen examines universals. "Despite linguistic diversity, humans share core cognitive capacities," Chen notes. "Color perception, spatial reasoning, and basic categories appear cross-culturally. Influence exists but within universal constraints."
How does Chen's observation qualify Wong's linguistic relativity claims?
By denying languages differ at all
By suggesting linguistic influence operates within universal cognitive constraints
By arguing thought doesn't exist
By claiming all languages are identical
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Chen accepts "influence exists" but notes "universal constraints." Wong's relativity is real but bounded—language shapes thought within universal cognitive architecture.
- Evidence: Chen: influence "within universal constraints."
- Reasoning: Both diversity and universality are real—question is their scope.
- Conclusion: Chen bounds rather than refutes Wong's claims.
Choice A is incorrect because Chen acknowledges "diversity." Choice C is incorrect because Chen studies cognition. Choice D is incorrect because Chen accepts linguistic variation.