Interindividual variation in human color categories: Evidence against strong influence of language

Wachtler, Thomas (2005): Interindividual variation in human color categories: Evidence against strong influence of language. In: Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Vol. 28, No. 4: 510-+

Abstract

With respect to human color categories, Steels & Belpaeme's (S&B's) simulations over-emphasize the possible influence of language. In humans, color processing is the result of a long evolutionary process in which categories developed without language. Common principles of color processing lead to similar color categories, but interindividual variation in color categories exists. Even color-deficiencies, causing large differences in color categories, remain inconspicuous in everyday life, thereby contradicting the hypothesis that language could play a role in color category formation.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Faculties: Biology > Department Biology II > Neurobiology
• Subjects: 500 Science > 570 Life sciences; biology
• ISSN: 0140-525X
• Language: English