Set 5: Central Ideas (Advanced)
Explanation
PASSAGE
The following text describes 'The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis'. The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis (linguistic relativity) suggests that the structure of a language affects its speakers' world view or cognition. The strong version (linguistic determinism) holds that language determines thought and that linguistic categories limit and determine cognitive categories. The weak version argues that linguistic categories and usage only influence thought and decisions. While the strong version is largely discredited by modern linguists, the weak version is accepted to some degree.
What does the 'strong version' of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis claim?
Detailed Explanation
Choice B is correct. The text states the strong version holds that 'language determines thought and that linguistic categories limit and determine cognitive categories.'
Key Evidence:
• "language determines thought"
• "limit and determine cognitive categories"
Why others are wrong: A (Opposite), C (Too weak (Determinism goes further)), D (Not mentioned).