The document discusses how language, knowledge, and thinking interact and how that relates to knowledge integration and requirements engineering. It argues that language shapes our perceptions and categorizations of knowledge, and that thinking occurs through the application of language. Effective knowledge integration and requirements engineering thus requires understanding differences in participants' languages and knowledge bases in order to facilitate communication and common understanding. Mirror neurons may help with initial understanding, while finding common ground and respecting different perspectives can improve collective sense-making.

1. Oliver Krone Knowledge Integration and Language relativism – Of the triade knowledge, language and thinking The International Conference on Economics and Administration, ICEA – FAA Bucharest, 14-15th November 2009

11. The interaction of Language, Knowledge and Thinking Language – gives structure (grammar), object descriptions and combines these to a perception onto „reality“ Knowledge – social sanctioned description of reality based on language acquired from society (cultural element) and via secondary education (professional level) Thinking – is the individual process of utilising knowledge and bringing to terms individually obtained insights and suggesting those for discursive agreement KI and language relativism Dr. Oliver Krone ICEA – FAA 2009

12. Consequences I KI and language relativism Dr. Oliver Krone ICEA – FAA 2009

15. How can be understanding in projects achieved when there are differences in knowledge, conceptionalisation (thinking) of problems, and verbalisation (language)?? KI and language relativism Dr. Oliver Krone ICEA – FAA 2009

16. The research proposition Level 3 Expert status with dedicated knowledge sets, and distinct language that predefine knowledge understanding. Level 2 Communication and knowledge exchanges based on „common ground“ (Clark, 1997; Tomasello), which means the understanding as „fellow“ Level 1 Action understanding of Alter based on „mirror neurons“ allowing for social cognition (e.g. Gallese et al.2004) Allows for Joint and Autonomous Action KI and language relativism Dr. Oliver Krone ICEA – FAA 2009