Linguistic relativity and economics

Astghik Mavisakalyan () and Clas Weber
Additional contact information
Clas Weber: University of Oslo

No WP1605, Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre Working Paper series from Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC), Curtin Business School

Abstract: The theory of linguistic relativity - the idea that our language influences our thinking - has a long history in the humanities. Speakers of different languages may systematically think and behave differently. This phenomenon has only recently attracted attention from economists. This paper provides the first comprehensive review of this nascent literature. First we explain the linguistic relativity thesis. Then we summarise the empirical evidence on the relationship between linguistic structures and economic outcomes. We follow up with a discussion of empirical design and identification. The paper concludes by discussing implications for future research and policy.

Keywords: Language; culture; linguistic relativity; economic behaviour (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D83 J24 Z13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 24 pages
Date: 2016-12
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-evo and nep-hpe
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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