"There is a continuing debate on the extent of our need for language in order to learn about the world and, therefore, its role in forming the conceptual framework for our thought. What is at issue is the extent to which the whole of our cognitive universe is determined by the language and culture within which we are socialized and, therefore, the extent to which all of the thought of an individual is culture-specific" (Palmer 92).
Even though Palmer decides not to delve in to the anthropologist perspective on the important role culture plays on impacting language and cognition, as an anthropology minor I found this to be a particularly critical concept for readers to grasp. Without an understanding of the culture, practices, traditions, and sociology going on within an area during the time-period a particular piece of literature is taking place, a reader has no grounds for interpreting a novel. Satire is not satire without the proper understanding of the current events and norms occurring during that point in history. Having knowledge of the history or the events that prompted the composition of a piece of literature leads to a deeper understanding of and ultimately the ability to interpret a novel.
For example, in Pride and Prejudice, we interpret Mrs. Bennet as being fairly substance-less and entirely obsessed with marrying off each of her daughters. It is comical, and the discourse between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet is meant to be comic relief. Without an understanding of the social norms at this time one's understanding of Mrs. Bennet's character ends there at a very surface level. If we solely were analyzing Mrs. Bennet based on our 21st century discourse we would likely be saying "what the heck this woman is crazy for pawning off her very young daughters to guys with loads of money that they barely know and chastising Elizabeth for not wanting to be with a totally creepy, weird guy she doesn't love." But, with an understanding of the culture, Mrs. Bennet's language and the conclusions she draws after processing events (for example lashing out when Elizabeth refuses to marry Mr. Collins instead of being a supportive, motherly figure) becomes more than just comical, shallow, or self-centered: it becomes an accurate depiction of what mothers during this time-period set-forth to do for their daughters and the capacity at which mothers (women with little power regarding gender relations) had to ensure the best possible future for their daughter. At this point in history women could not go out and earn substantial incomes to pass down to their daughters, but they could help their daughter find the best (wealthiest) husband possible in order to ensure that daughter's prosperity and security.
Examples could be made for virtually any text that understanding the culture and sociology at play when the author is writing or during the time-period the book is taking place is crucial for allowing us to process and understand the cognition of characters.
