LINGUIST List 21.844

Fri Feb 19 2010

Qs: Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis in Science Fiction

Editor for this issue: Danielle St. Jean <daniellelinguistlist.org>


        1.    Flaminia Robu, Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis in Science Fiction

Message 1: Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis in Science Fiction
Date: 15-Feb-2010
From: Flaminia Robu <flaminiarobuyahoo.com>
Subject: Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis in Science Fiction
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As a doctoral research student in Languages/Linguistics, I would like toask if anyone knows of relevant studies/criticism dealing with thelinguistic implications of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis as reflected inscience-fiction (SF) literature. This includes the different uses of thetheory in SF, and its applications to relevant literature.

I've so far had access to critical studies on the subject, dealing moregenerally with linguistics and language study in science-fiction andfantasy (to list but a few: Walter E. Meyers, John Clute, Larry Niven,Samuel Delany). The primary literature is currently based on aselection of works by writers who deal with verbal languages in literaryworks (constructed languages), but I'm also interested in verbal andnon-verbal communication techniques as reflected in 'first-contactsituations' (between human and alien cultures). None of the workswhich I've consulted so far deal exclusively or predominantly with theimplications of 'Sapir-Whorf' in SF literature. I would appreciate anyfeedback or suggestions you may have.

Thank you in advance.

-Flaminia Robu

Linguistic Field(s): Ling & Literature                             Sociolinguistics

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