GCSE Psychology: Language, Thought and Communication Guide

Piaget vs Vygotsky on language and thought

Piaget believed thought develops first and language simply expresses existing thoughts. Vygotsky argued language and thought develop together, with language actively shaping and developing thinking.

The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis

The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis suggests the language we speak influences, or even determines, how we think and perceive the world, though the strength of this effect is debated.

Non-verbal communication

Communication isn't only spoken language — non-verbal communication, including facial expressions, gestures and body language, also conveys meaning and emotion.

Animal communication

Animals communicate in various ways, from bee dances indicating food location to primate gestures, raising the question of whether any non-human animals can be said to use true "language."

Common mistakes

• Mixing up Piaget's and Vygotsky's positions on the relationship between language and thought.
• Assuming non-verbal communication is less important than spoken language.
• Treating animal communication systems as identical to human language without noting key differences.