LINGUISTIC AND CONCEPTUAL PICTURE OF THE WORLD: DIFFERENTIATING TWO PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

This article explores the distinction between the linguistic and conceptual pictures of the world, emphasizing their roles in shaping human cognition and perception. The linguistic picture is influenced by language structures and categories, reflecting the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis that language shapes thought. It varies across cultures and languages, affecting how individuals perceive reality. In contrast, the conceptual picture of the world encompasses broader cognitive structures and mental models formed by sensory experiences, cultural background, and social interactions. These two perspectives, while distinct, are interrelated, with language both shaping and reflecting conceptual frameworks.