How does language affect the way we see things?
How does language affect the way we see things?
Language does affect the way of thinking, consequently, our perception of things, since the definition or use of words is different. Although now there might be a translation of words in every language, the mother toungue of a person will always predominate over a language he/she has learned and the meaning or sense of a phrase will be lost in translation. The phrase will be translated to the own understand of use of the words to the person in their mother toungue. Language also has an cultural impact, since it defines personalities from different parts of the world. For instance, an Spanish speaker will always be related to quick reactions and responses, while an English speakers will be related to thoughtful and calm responses.
The most popular example might be the Eskimos, as they have a variety of different words for snow, giving them a different perception of snow as we have it. This means that their language affects their thinking, into believing there are various shades of white, while, for example, Latin-Americans, can only distinguish between few shades of white. Also the words are to describe the state of the snow, if its fresh, if it’s a new layer on top of an old one, etc. This example is also affected by the environment Eskimos live in.
In Pormpuraaw, an Australian aboriginal community, the directions aren’t “left” and “right” like are normally taught, but its “northeast” and “southwest” or the cardinal directions. This is a perfect example of how language changes our way of perception, since the Pormpuraaw community has the advantage of having a good sense of orientation and keeping track on where they are.
English speakers tend to say things like "John broke the vase" when it was an accident, while Spanish speakers will always say “se rompio” or “it broke itself”. The difference between these two translations leads to different understanding of events; while one language blames someone the other
Language does affect the way of thinking, consequently, our perception of things, since the definition or use of words is different. Although now there might be a translation of words in every language, the mother toungue of a person will always predominate over a language he/she has learned and the meaning or sense of a phrase will be lost in translation. The phrase will be translated to the own understand of use of the words to the person in their mother toungue. Language also has an cultural impact, since it defines personalities from different parts of the world. For instance, an Spanish speaker will always be related to quick reactions and responses, while an English speakers will be related to thoughtful and calm responses.
The most popular example might be the Eskimos, as they have a variety of different words for snow, giving them a different perception of snow as we have it. This means that their language affects their thinking, into believing there are various shades of white, while, for example, Latin-Americans, can only distinguish between few shades of white. Also the words are to describe the state of the snow, if its fresh, if it’s a new layer on top of an old one, etc. This example is also affected by the environment Eskimos live in.
In Pormpuraaw, an Australian aboriginal community, the directions aren’t “left” and “right” like are normally taught, but its “northeast” and “southwest” or the cardinal directions. This is a perfect example of how language changes our way of perception, since the Pormpuraaw community has the advantage of having a good sense of orientation and keeping track on where they are.
English speakers tend to say things like "John broke the vase" when it was an accident, while Spanish speakers will always say “se rompio” or “it broke itself”. The difference between these two translations leads to different understanding of events; while one language blames someone the other