Toward a script relativity hypothesis: focused research agenda for psycholinguistic experiments in the science of reading

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to extend the linguistic relativity hypothesis (i.e., the language we speak affects the way we think) to a script relativity hypothesis (i.e., the script in which we read influences our thought). Based on the rich body of knowledge in the science of reading that shows the effects of literacy on our cognitive processes, the foundation, rationale, and converging evidence of script relativity are discussed. The tenable notion of script relativity is anchored in previous research into the connection between language and thought as well as a causal relationship from language to cognition. Further discussed is the application of linguistic relativity to reading in both first and second languages to elucidate the reading-to-cognition link and how reading affects our attention, perception, and thought. Focused research for script relativity is suggested in the areas of the operating principle of script (alphabetic vs. morphosyllabic), reading directionality (left-to-right vs. right-to-left), word configurations (linearity vs. block), literacy experience (literates vs. illiterates), and interword spaces (presence vs. absence of interword spaces). The article ends with further recommendations and future directions. It is suggested that linguistic and cultural effects on cognition be controlled in future studies to disentangle the true effects of script.