Einstein and Language

[Alexandre Enkerli]

Fellow linguistic anthros,

Some people have been talking about the idea that Einstein's theory of
relativity might have been influenced by linguistic relativity,
through proximity with Jost Winteler (apparently a schoolmaster
trained in Humboldtian linguistics).
Leavitt, John (2006) "Linguistic Relativities" in Christinve Jourdan
and Kevin Tuite (eds.) /Language, Culture, and Society/. Cambridge
University Press, (0521849411) pp.47--81 (especially p. 67).
http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=ZWl2-SAKa08C

Apparently, Jakobson also wrote about Einstein's relationship with Winteler.

A few web pages mention or dwelve on this issue:
http://linguistlist.org/issues/6/6-1270.html
http://www.combat-diaries.co.uk/diary28/masses.htm
http://www.enformy.com/dma-stf.htm

Had most of you heard of this possible connection? Did anyone here do
any research on this?

One advantage of this story is that it may help us demonstrate the
importance of inter-disciplinary research based on linguistic
concepts.

Thank you!

-- 
Alexandre, in Montreal
http://enkerli.wordpress.com/