Starting with (1) a new reading of Benjamin Lee Whorf's writings, designed as a correction of a widespread preconception of his approach, (2) two profound examinations of the theme complex of linguistic relativity following Whorf are presented and compared to each other (John Lucy 1992 vs. Penny Lee 1996). (3) From this confrontation a scheme for the comparison of approaches on the topic of linguistic relativity following the pattern X (cognitive domain) is relative to Y (linguistic domain) is

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... eveloped in which different levels for both domains are introduced, and which allows to distinguish different kinds of relations on different levels. On the basis of this scheme the interpretation of Penny Lee is brought into focus, which takes linguistic and cognitive domains to be closely intertwined or partially identical. This approach is then (4) specified and newly motivated with Peter Carruthers' cognitive conception of language. His central reference to the phenomenon of inner speech is defended against some exemplary criticism. His empirical starting point, the results of Russell Hurlburt's Descriptive Experience Sampling method, is taken under closer scrutiny and confirmed as a solid basis for the proposed thesis of partial identity of linguistic and mental domain. A concurring interpretation of the results is rejected as inconclusive.