In the book Words and Minds, by Neil Mercer, he examines the relationship between language, thinking, and social interaction. He argues that thinking is not only an internal mental process but is shaped through shared language and participation in social practices. Drawing on research from psychology, linguistics, and education, Mercer shows how talk plays a central role in how people reason, learn, and develop understanding together.
The book introduces a sociocultural view of mind, emphasizing that meaning and knowledge emerge through interaction with others. Mercer explores how language functions as a tool for coordinating thought, negotiating meaning, and building shared understanding. He pays particular attention to everyday conversations and classroom talk, showing how patterns of dialogue influence what people can think and learn.
Although rooted in educational research, the book has wider relevance for anyone interested in collaboration, communication, and collective reasoning.
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- Oracy The ability to express oneself in and understand spoken language
Image Credits: Midjourney
(Public Domain)
In-person, 7–11 September 2026
Warbrook House, Hampshire, UK
We are living and working in conditions of uncertainty, complexity, and rapid change. This week-long workshop offers a space to practise Conversational Leadership as a shared, lived experience.