Task 2: Does Language Shape The Way We Think?
Dr. Boroditsky’s lecture was quite enlightening. Below are the statements from her presentation that resonated with me the most.
https://create.piktochart.com/output/a3e72a3bc569-create-your-own-poster
The thesis of Dr. Borditsky’s presentation is the impact of language on thought. Watching her speak, along with the other videos this week, made me consider the role of language in my own life. Specifically, the impact of growing up in a multilingual family and how this diversity of languages might shape my thinking. Although (much to my chagrin) I speak only English, my mother is from Portugal, my father is from Japan, and I am married to a Francophone. Though I’ve never really sat and thought about it before, I do think that exposure to these languages has indeed shaped my thought processes.
What comes to mind most is living with my grandparents on my mother’s side for a large part of my life. Communication in Portuguese, their primary language, introduced me to a whole new dynamic and way of thinking. They were so passionate about almost everything and that came across when they spoke. I remember at first never really being sure if an argument was being had or just a good conversation – and often I think it was both.
My grandparents spoke very little English, so we relied on a mishmash of English and Portuguese, supplemented heavily by non-verbal cues. Gestures played a big role, as did touch in our communication. For instance, rather than asking my grandmother if she wanted her nails painted, I would simply raise my eyebrows with the nail polish in hand, silently asking for approval.
We also learned to communicate in alternative ways. It might sound a bit crazy, but I believe that cooking became a form of communication for us. My grandmother taught me to cook without speaking any English at all. We spent many hours preparing meals, shopping for ingredients, and gathering around the dining table without ever being able to speak to each other directly. My grandfather was a great storyteller. Even though we only understood parts of his tales, they were always fascinating and funny. It wasn’t just the words he used; he also relied on intonation, hand gestures, and pacing to get his message across.
So, how has this impacted the way I think?
- Cultural appreciation: Interacting with people from different linguistic backgrounds exposes you to diverse cultures and ways of thinking. As noted by Dr. Borditsky, the broader your set of experiences, the less inclined you are to view your own culture as the standard. Instead, you develop greater open-mindedness. I think my big, beautiful, and diverse family (with its many languages) has helped me to develop this mindset.
- The importance of language and its many forms: When you can’t speak the language of another, you become very aware of its power and limitations. While not sharing a common language may mean missing out on some things, it doesn’t mean that you cannot communicate. In such situations, I found that my other senses heightened. I listened better. I paid more attention to visual cues. Language isn’t just written or spoken word; it can also be conveyed through actions and physical presence and it’s important to pay attention to these things. This idea connects with Alexander MacDonald’s discussion of tap dance and its oral tradition passed on through physical proximity.
- Increased empathy and understanding: Experiencing challenges in communication can help us become more empathetic and understanding. It also fosters inclusivity and respect for diverse backgrounds. Instead of seeing accents or dialects as lesser forms of expression, we recognize their value and richness. Christine de Luca’s poetry explores this idea emphasizing the importance of preserving spoken dialects through written language. I always try to understand individuals with accents or spoken dialects because I’ve witnessed the frustration of not being taken seriously when others struggle to comprehend.
“Never make fun of someone who speaks broken English. It means they know another language.”
―
References:
SAR School for Advanced Research. (2017, June 7). Lera Boroditsky, how the languages we speak shape the way we think [Video]. YouTube.
I loved your visualization of quotes, Steph. It inspired me to create a mind map of my thoughts on Dr. Boroditsky’s lecture. I wanted to comment as there were many similarities in what we drew from Dr. Boroditsky’s talk. Even more interesting is that we highlighted many similar quotes. I wanted to speak about this quote in particular: “When you teach people to talk a new way, you teach people to think a new way.”
You speak of growing up as a child of immigrants and how language likely contributed to how you perceive the world. What a valuable experience to draw from! Being raised solely in an English-speaking household, I lack that perspective and appreciate hearing your thoughts. You highlight how interacting with people from different linguistic backgrounds exposes you to diverse ways of thinking. Despite only speaking one language, I am grateful for the experiences I have had, specifically in healthcare. I have worked with patients from various linguistic backgrounds and cared for them through stressful life experiences, which I consider a privilege. I think these experiences have impacted my view of the world and allowed me to visualize things through a different lens.
I’m curious if the power of self-talk came to mind when reflecting on this quote. I thought about how I talk to myself and how this impacts my experience in the world. What we tell ourselves can change how we think in both positive and negative ways. As a mother, I have found myself to be more aware of the language I use to describe myself and the power my language has on how my children see themselves.