Cognition and Language: Problem Solving as Affected by Knowledge of English and Navaho

Abstract

Two groups of Navaho children whose knowledge of English and Navaho differed were given “culture-fair” problems. Solutions to the problems were related to the age when English was learned (degree of knowledge of English). Differences were found between groups in number of problems solved, number of trials per problem solved, and proficiency in coping with certain problem types. It was tentatively concluded that performance on such problems is based on representational processes which in turn depend on available symbol system.