SAPIR WHORF HYPOTHESISMajayla Holland
The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis that reality is embedded in culture’s language and that language then controls thought and cultural norms
FACTS
No two languages are ever sufficiently
similar to be considered as
representing the same social reality.
-Edward Sapir
Language shapes the way we think, and
determines what we can think about. -Benjamin Whorf
In Culture’s Language
Reality Is Embedded
Creators of hypothesis
1
Difference in Language represent basic differences in world view
2
Living in our own part of the world we only know what our language permits us to know.
3
Vocabulary richness reflects importance of thing’s and activities of our culture
4
Not Sold?Criticisms of Sapir- Whorf
Neither was Pinker (1994) who taught communication. If language
determined thought, thinking would be unattainable prior to acquiring a
language. (Example; vocally impaired can learn sign language)
Translatability it may take multiple words to translate a concept, but concepts can be understood across languages.
5
Citations• Images:
• English Literature Center. (n.d.). Retrieved July 25, 2016, from http://englishliteraturecenter.blogspot.com/2011/10/language-and-culture-based-on-sapir.html
• Language and Cognition. (n.d.). Retrieved July 25, 2016, from https://www.ucl.ac.uk/pals/research/langco
• Text:• Jandt, F.E. (2016). An introduction to intercultural communication: Identities in a global
community.(8thEd.). Thousand Oaks,CA: SAGE Publications.