Sapir–Whorf hypothesis (linguistic relativity)
A researcher proposes that speakers of a language with many words for snow perceive differences in snow that English speakers miss. This idea reflects:
Answer D: explanation for every choice
A
The nativist theory concerns how language is acquired, through an innate capacity.
B
Universal grammar is the idea that all human languages share an innate underlying structure.
C
The critical period hypothesis says there is a window early in life for acquiring language.
D
Correct. Linguistic relativity, the Sapir–Whorf hypothesis, holds that language shapes perception and thought.
TakeawaySapir–Whorf: language shapes how you perceive and think.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID ps48.