Common logical errors in English and Chinese

Abstract

A test of logic using implicational and disjunctive sentences was given in English to first-language English speakers, in Chinese to first-language Chinese speakers, and in English to Chinese students in an English language university. No differences in overall performance were found on the “if...then” sentences. Differences among groups on “or” sentences were not attributable to Whorfian differences in logical thinking. It was deemed likely that poor command of English, or perhaps low confidence in English, led to slightly lower scores among the bilingual group.