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.