Lera Boroditsky’s talk raised so many interesting examples of how language influences thought. As I listened, I kept connecting her points to situations I’ve experienced while teaching English, learning Japanese, and raising bilingual kids. The talk didn’t just explain theories, it reminded me of real moments where language shaped the way I or others around me saw the world.
[03:14] Gender of verbs
Boroditsky’s point about gender in language made me think of Japanese honorifics and speech levels. Instead of marking nouns as masculine or feminine the way some European languages do, Japanese emphasizes hierarchy and respect. For example, the sempai–kohai system distinguishes between seniors and juniors, while keigo refers to formal “polite language” used in workplaces or when showing deference. These features don’t exist in English, which uses the same “you” for everyone. It highlighted for me how different languages focus attention on different aspects of human relationships.
[05:35] The specificity of words like “tree”
She talks about how “tree” isn’t specific enough in some languages. This made me think of Japanese and how kinoko (mushroom) usually needs to be narrowed down by type. For me, a mushroom is a mushroom. But in Japan, knowing your shiitake from your enoki can make a big difference at dinner.
[11:38] Text orientation and comics
When I introduced my son to North American comics, he was shocked to learn they opened “the wrong way.” He kept trying to flip them from the left, the way he would with Japanese manga. His face said it all and had pure disbelief that anyone would read in that direction. For him it felt backward, for me it felt normal, and we both had a laugh about how even reading order depends on where you grow up.
[18:35] Teaching to talk a new way = teaching to think a new way
Boroditsky’s line about teaching people to “talk in a new way” teaches them to “think in a new way” reminded me of learning Japanese myself. Suddenly I was bowing more, apologizing for things that weren’t my fault, and talking in circles instead of going straight to the point. My Canadian friends thought I was being overly polite when I returned. It turns out new languages sneak into your personality whether you like it or not.
[19:18] Colours and traffic lights
Her example about Russian shades of blue made me think of Japan’s “blue” traffic lights. They’re clearly green, but everyone still calls them aoi (blue). It confused me at first, but now I catch myself saying “blue light” sometimes, too. It’s funny how quickly your brain adapts, even when your eyes think they know better.
[25:00] Hurricane names vs. typhoon numbers
Boroditsky’s example of hurricanes having personal names in English reminded me of Japan’s use of numbered typhoons. A name like “Hurricane Katrina” feels personal and dramatic, while “Typhoon No. 10” sounds more matter-of-fact. Living in Japan, I noticed how this framing shaped perception and how typhoons felt like part of a seasonal cycle rather than a character in a story. The language made them seem less personalized and more inevitable.
In the end, if my son’s comics, Japanese traffic lights, and typhoon numbers have taught me anything, it’s that language will always find a way to surprise us.
Boroditsky, L. (2018, April 11). How the languages we speak shape the ways we think [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/iGuuHwbuQOg