Journal of Behavioral Health and Psychology. 2012; 1(2):(22-344)


The causal relationship between Theory of Mind and Language

Fariba Azabdaftari

Abstract

Neurological studies reveal that theory of mind is a part of social intelligence in human beings and a requirement for language acquisition. Appropriate use of language is one important aspect of social life. Theory of mind is defined as understanding mental representations, and effective language use relies on monitoring the probable mental states of the listener, and making inferences about the mental states of the speaker. As the ability to understand our own minds and those of others is central to what it means to be a human, considering theory of mind and language as separate abilities in human mind may make little sense. The aim of this article is to illustrate the possible cause-effect relationship between language and theory of mind and the mutual role they play in human social life, by adopting the Relevance Theoretic Pragmatics framework based on a definition of relevance and two general cognitive and communicative principles. As a remarkable part of assessing the theory of mind and its intimate relation with language lie in developmental psychology, a great deal is taken from research on child psychology.

Most Viewed Article
  • Cognition in MS as a Marker of Disability Progression: Observations from Real Life
    Flavia Mattioli, Chiara Stampatori, Francesca Righetti, Nicola De Rossi, Luca Beretta, Elisabetta Perego, Tiziana Carandini, Teresa Di Fonzo, Laura Ferrè, Claudia Celico, Valentina Miramonti, Elena Verrengia.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24068

  • Unhappiness Is Not a Disease
    Loretta Graziano Breuning
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24067

  • Help Seeking Among Male Farmers and their Female Partners: A Qualitative Exploration
    Emma Carswell, Marian McLaughlin, Tony Cassidy.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24066

  • Together We Thrive: Strengthen the Capability of AAPIs in Pima County in Dealing with COVID-19
    Howard J. Eng
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24065

  • Holistic Health and the Process of Recovery
    Pascal Scoles
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24064

Most Downloaded
  • Cognition in MS as a Marker of Disability Progression: Observations from Real Life
    Flavia Mattioli, Chiara Stampatori, Francesca Righetti, Nicola De Rossi, Luca Beretta, Elisabetta Perego, Tiziana Carandini, Teresa Di Fonzo, Laura Ferrè, Claudia Celico, Valentina Miramonti, Elena Verrengia.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24068

  • Unhappiness Is Not a Disease
    Loretta Graziano Breuning
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24067

  • Help Seeking Among Male Farmers and their Female Partners: A Qualitative Exploration
    Emma Carswell, Marian McLaughlin, Tony Cassidy.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24066

  • Together We Thrive: Strengthen the Capability of AAPIs in Pima County in Dealing with COVID-19
    Howard J. Eng
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24065

  • Holistic Health and the Process of Recovery
    Pascal Scoles
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24064