Zavershneva. ["Consciousness without words": L. S. Vygotsky on man`s pre-speech horizon]

Abstract:
[The issue of higher mental functions is considered on the basis of L. S. Vygotsky`s published works and his notes from the family archive. The paper looks at the problem of defining and researching the area of "consciousness without words " which emerges at the start of ontogenesis and in the first stages of microgenesis of verbal thinking. The author draws a parallel between L. S. Vygotsky`s and A. A. Potiebnya`s views: A. A. Potiebnya`s hypothesis on the inflexion of the primary affect as the first act of sign mediation and on removal of the inner form of the word in the true notion is analyzed in the light of L. S. Vygotsky`s cultural historical psychology. L. S. Vygotsky`s views on influence of speech on emergence and development of higher mental functions are commented on in the light of L. Wittgenstein`s and V. B. Bibikhin`s ideas.]