Language and second order theory of mind: investigating mental states and social cognition

Abstract

This investigation addresses the relationship between language and second-order Theory of Mind. The hypothesis investigated is the centrality of language to a second-order Theory of Mind. The main objectives were: (i) to advance the understanding and the discussion about what really characterizes a second-order mental state; (ii) to analyze the interface between the two cognitive domains. Portuguese speakers during language acquisition from 4 to 7 years of age were tested. The results reported here are similar to those that have been obtained by other investigations with PB and other languages for second order level.

Keywords

• Teoria da Mente
• Cognição Social
• Aquisição de Linguagem.