Week 2- Does language shape the way we think?

Does language shape the way we think?

An interesting article and video by Dr. Boroditsky, ‘How Language Shapes Thought’ and the research conducted on the different languages of people around the world. The main message of the article by Boroditsky, L. (2011), share the idea that, ” both—the way we think influences the way we speak, but the influence also goes the other way”.

How one encodes and decodes are skills constructed from their own language and that these skills are diverse! One language does not triumph over another, and that each language carries their own strengths to helps them navigate our world. As we see more and more ELL (English Language Learners) students in classrooms, educators should find ways to equip ELL students to navigate the English world. But also, learn from our ELL students and how they use their language.

Here are the annotations from Boroditsky, L. (2011). How language shapes thought.

1:40 – powerful tool that we humans have
Language is a very powerful tool that humans have access to. We forget that it can also empower people and can make either a positive or negative impact. The more languages you learn/know can better help you understand the world around you.

05:31: tree ? which tree
Certain information is important to a group of people. Culturally something might be important to a group, while it might not be for another group. Hence, why a word might have greater importance- the tree example.

18:05- language is causal
Teaching people new ways- is a great way to close the gap and perhaps find commonalities to bring people together.

19:47- wide range of expressions
I totally agree with Boroditsky’s comment. I grew up in a Korean household and the way my parents would express after finishing a hot bowl of soup, as feeling “cool/refreshed”. I understand it, but it’s so hard to explain it to someone who is not Korean. Some expressions and words are difficult to translate in the English language.

32:32- different skill sets
This is an interesting experiment because based on the language the person spoke, they had strengths to recognize and remember details. I wonder if it changes based on their native language but lives in a different country?

Overall, I found the video and article to be very fascinating. There are so many languages around the world and it is unique in their own ways. Even though we think language is used to communicate, it really shapes how we think and interact in our society. It is truly amazing how people can adapt very quickly in new places and new people with their languages. It is important to learn and respect the way how languages impacts how one thinks.

References : Boroditsky, L. (2011). How language shapes thought. Scientific American, 304(2), 62-65. doi:10.1038/scientificamerican0211-62