It is commonly thought that a language's grammar and vocabulary make its speakers more aware of some concepts and feelings than others, such that a language's structure is indexed to psychology and culture. However, experiments have proven this only to a very quiet degree. Overall, the idea that how a language works reflects how its speakers think is more dangerous than often supposed, working against the very egalitarianism that the idea seems to foster. Linguist John McWhorter will demonstrate this by approaching the "Language as Thought" hypothesis from the point of view of languages around the world.
Love McWhorter! Thank you!
I first read about his work while I was in New Orleans...the creole language is fascinating! Do you have a favorite book or video? I need some things to do while I recover from a surgery.
@thinktwice i just have a sample CD from the Great Courses
Thank you for this post...it is one of the most intriguing one I have seen this week...
@mitch07102 (now this is heady stuff...not sure if the nuances of language is your thing but I was fascinated by this...I know what I will be doing while I recover...ha ha )