While I'm asking for help ... Good / canonical references for close analyses showing the correlation between language and variable sense of selfhood / identity? Beyond Sapir-Whorf, I think - parallel with Foucault's understanding of how writing becomes a "technology of the self" - but, ideally, with a close and detailed look at how different languages / grammars / syntax (plural?) etc. Seem to correlate with prevailing understandings of the individual vis-à-vis the larger world around, beginning with the human community but extending into the larger natural / supernatural world. For example, Ames and Rosemont, in a terrific essay on classical Chinese, including its use in the Analects, make clear connections between Western languages as substantive languages that they then tie into especially modern conceptions of the self as a substance, in contrast with the more process- and relationally-oriented character of classical Chinese, which they argue is correlated with the relational sense of self in ancient China (Ames, Roger, and Rosemont, Henry. 1998. ³Metaphysics, with Reference to Language,² The Analects of Confucius: A Philosophical Translation, pp. 20-37.) One of the best essays I've seen in more than 20 years - but looking for additional work along these lines. Again, tips, tricks, and suggestions - if only for keywords and main journals / databases in which to search - will be gratefully received. Cheers, - charles ess Institut for Informations- og Medievidenskab Helsingforsgade 14 8200 Århus N. Denmark mail: <imvce@hum.au.dk> tel: (+45) 8942 9250 Distinguished Research Professor, Interdisciplinary Studies Drury University, Springfield, Missouri 65802 USA Exemplary persons seek harmony, not sameness. -- Analects 13.23