Linguistic Relativity, Mediation and The Categorization of Motion

Abstract: This thesis is a contribution to current research conducted from a so called neo-Whorfian perspective. That is, do linguistic differences yield differences in categorization preference (in a forced choice similarity task)? However, the debate over the pervasiveness of the linguistic effect upon categorization, together with the incoherent findings in prior studies suggest a theoretically open-minded approach to studying the assumed relation between langauge and cognitive categorization. One such addition is the exploration of Semiotic Mediation according to Vygotsky, which serves as the major part of the theoretical discussion. A common domain for neo-Whorfian studies is motion. As with the theoretical foundation as such, this domain lacks the clarity necessary to claim that langauage impinges upon our categorazation. In this thesis an experiential view on motion is suggested over the typological perspective often used as an explicit assumption for linguistic effects. In interpreting the findings of the study, comparing categorization preferences on speakers of French with speakers of Swedish, a synthesis between "weak" relativistic effects and semiotic mediation is put forward.