An Experiment in the comparative assessment of reading ability

Abstract

The paramount part played in thought by language has been appreciated from early times. Indeed, many of the early philosophers regarded thought as simply a form of inner speech. A modern view, to quote Woodworth Woodworth: Psychology, A Study of Mental Life, is to regard "thought, from all the indications, as preceeding speech and not being identical with it”. Whether or not thought is, is fact, possible without language is perhaps an open question, but fortunately one that need not be entered into here. While we may argue whether or not Descartes proved the point with his "cogito, ergo sum", it is undeniable that, without language, the argument itself would be inexpressible. In brief, whatever or thoughts, wants or philosophies, we need some form of language to give expression to them. All this is but a statement of what should be generally obvious but which, never the less, is often unappreciated. An obvious need is, unfortunately, one that is often lacking and such a need of to-day is a simple, flexible and exact medium for the exchange of ideas and information. Many of our contemporary troubles appear to be not so much the result of ill will, as of poor comprehension. This need is appreciated but not generally so.