
Is it possible to think if you don’t know any words?
The brain is complex enough as it is without questioning your own thought process!
Asked by: Nick, by email
This is a tough one. Some scientists claim that all thinking needs words and grammar, and is really talking to yourself. Others argue for a special ‘language of thought’ that uses abstract mental representations. Others say that only some kinds of thinking uses words.
The words we use affect our thoughts – for example, sexist language or abuse. More surprisingly, the first language we learn affects the way we think. For instance, when solving simple arithmetic problems, Chinese speakers use a different part of the brain from native English speakers. Many animals can obviously think: Betty the New Caledonian crow bent a wire into a hook to spear food while chimps piled up boxes to reach a suspended banana. And they don’t know any words at all.
Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.
Authors
Subscription offer
Subscribe and save 50% on the shop price. Pay just £16.50 every 6 issues by Direct Debit. Receive every issue delivered direct to your door with FREE UK delivery.