Routledge dictionary of language and linguistics - Developers

Wittgenstein, L. 1981. Tractatus logicophilosophicus. trans. C.K.Ogden. London.
linguistic determinism
Hypothesis put forth by B.L.Whorf (1897–1941) on the basis of his research into the
dialects of Hopi, which claims that each individual language determines the perception,
experience, and action of its speakers, and therefore speakers necessarily develop world
views that differ to the same degree that their languages differ structurally. Thus language
is not viewed primarily as a means of communication, but rather as an unconscious
‘background phenomenon’ which in large part determines individual thought.
Sapir-Whorf hypothesis
A-Z 691
References
linguistic geography dialect geography
linguistic norms
Social expectations, which determine the forms of suitable linguistic interaction within
the boundaries of the linguistic system. Linguistic norms govern the fundamental
conditions of communication (maxims of conversation, acceptability,
comprehensibility) and in special situations curb the choice and organization of
linguistic means like the form of the illocution, the choice of words, complexity of
sentences, and pronunciation. Situative norms refer to functional and thematic
appropriateness (e.g. for types of text for public/private, or oral/ written speech), to
correct speech in social roles and institutions, to age, and to gender roles, among others.
Linguistic norms are based either implicitly on a consensus of the speakers, or they are
explicitly determined and legitimized by criteria such as circulation, age, structural
accordance, and purpose. The demarcation of linguistic norms and rules of a linguistic
system is methodically difficult, since the existence of implicit linguistic norms can only
be deduced from usage.