Month: May 2024

Here are six statements from Dr. Boroditsky’s lecture that resonated with me both personally and professionally.

1

[00:00:35] Dr. Boroditsky mentions, “This is one of these magical abilities that we humans have. We can plant ideas in each other’s minds using a finite set of words that we recombine into an infinite set of new meanings.”

As a teacher, I am always amazed by the capacity of language to communicate intricate concepts and ignite creativity. This often brings to mind numerous classroom discussions where a simple question or comment provokes profound, insightful responses from students, showcasing the ability of language to foster new ideas.

2

[00:01:45] Dr. Boroditsky states, “We don’t have just one language. There’re at least 7,000 languages spoken and there have been many more.”

This underscores the significance of embracing linguistic diversity in the classroom. Having taught students from diverse linguistic backgrounds, I have witnessed how their unique perspectives enhance classroom discussions.

3

[00:04:03] Dr. Boroditsky explains, “So in some languages, you have to distinguish between something you heard as opposed to something you saw as opposed to something you inferred from vision or inferred from sound or inferred from something that someone said.”

This statement highlights the importance of evidential reasoning, a crucial skill to teach students, emphasizing the necessity for clarity and precision in communication.

4

[00:12:44] Dr. Boroditsky says, “For the Aymara, in their language, the future is behind the past is in front.”

This challenges my conventional perceptions of time and encourages me to introduce students to alternative cultural perspectives. By exploring different cultural constructs of time, I can help students develop a more global and flexible mindset, enhancing their cultural competence.

5

[00:18:26] Dr. Boroditsky notes, “When you teach people to talk a new way [language], you’re teaching them to think a new way as well. And so that tells us that language has this causal power. You can change how people think by changing how they talk.”

This resonates deeply with my experiences teaching foreign languages. I have seen how learning a new language or a new way of thinking in a different discipline expands students’ cognitive horizons.

6

[00:31:38] Dr. Boroditsky observes, ” Speakers of different languages witness exactly the same event but come away remembering different things about that event.”

This statement aligns with my experiences in multicultural classrooms, where students’ diverse linguistic backgrounds result in varied interpretations of the same material. This diversity enriches discussions and enables students to appreciate multiple perspectives.

Dr. Boroditsky’s insights into the profound impact of language on thought and perception underscore the intricate relationship between linguistic diversity and cognitive processes. The lecture illuminates the powerful role language plays in shaping our understanding of the world. As an educator, I believe that recognizing the dynamic interplay between language and thought would allows me to appreciate the richness that linguistic diversity brings to the classroom.

I am Abdulehed Yarkin and the contents of my bag offer a window into some facets of my life, capturing the essence of who I am both publicly and privately.

Earbud

The earbud is crucial for my numerous online meetings, virtual conferences, and podcasts. In the midst of a busy, often chaotic world, the wireless earbuds in my bag serve as a gateway to tranquility and personal peace. The small but powerful device offers a reprieve from the constant noise and distractions of daily life, allowing me to create a private auditory sanctuary wherever I go.

Sunglass

The sunglass in my bag serves a dual purpose, extending beyond their practical function of protecting my eyes from the sun. While it shields my eyes from harmful UV rays and reduce glare during outdoor activities, they also play a subtle role in concealing my emotions. Whether it’s addressing a challenging situation, handling the stresses of daily life, or simply needing a moment to process my thoughts without revealing my inner turmoil, the sunglass provides a shield.

Notebook

The notebook in my bag, though seemingly simple, holds profound significance in my professional and personal routines. In an era where excellent note-taking apps abound, the act of writing by hand connects me more deeply to the ideas I jot down.

Laptop

This laptop is more than just a tool; it is the centerpiece of my professional life. It is where my lesson plans are crafted, research is conducted, and virtual classrooms come to life. It holds a trove of academic resources, presentations, and the myriad documents that define my career.

Once I have a collection of notes and ideas in my memo book, I turn to my laptop to further develop and refine them. The laptop, as a sophisticated text technology, offers a plethora of tools and applications designed to enhance and organize my initial handwritten notes.

The use of both a memo book and a laptop reflects an integration of traditional and modern literacies. The memo book represents a tangible connection to the text, where the physical act of writing fosters a deep, personal engagement with ideas. The laptop, on the other hand, embodies the capabilities of modern technology, facilitating the expansion, organization, and dissemination of those ideas.