This course takes a cognitive approach to study language differences. There are many different languages in the world. Does the fact that languages differ mean that people who speak different languages would perceive, conceptualize and reason the world differently? The interrelationship among language, thought and culture has been an important topic in different fields for many years (e.g., philosophy, anthropology, psychology, cognitive neuroscience, etc.). This course examines this issue with a perspective of experimental psycholinguistics and aims to stimulate students’ reflections on the cognitive and cultural bases of language, specifically the active role which language plays in cognition and culture. Students will be exposed to a variety of theoretical frameworks, with empirical findings, that are developed to explain the interrelation between language and cognition, cognition and culture, and language, cognition and culture. Examinations of these topics bear a broader goal of learning how to think through complex issues in culture and language, to appreciate research and to understand the value of theories of these issues and importantly to cultivate a more liberal humanity attitudes/spirits. At the end of the course, students are expected to gain a better appreciation for the kind of intellectual rigour essential to academic inquiry.

Mid-term assignment: 50%
Final Examination: 50%

Examination Duration: 2 hours