The Language Hoax
Why the World Looks the Same in Any Language
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Product details:
- Publisher OUP USA
- Date of Publication 10 July 2014
- ISBN 9780199361588
- Binding Hardback
- No. of pages204 pages
- Size 135x180x22 mm
- Weight 255 g
- Language English 10
Categories
Short description:
A provocative argument against the idea that we view the world through the lens of the language we speak.
MoreLong description:
Japanese has a term that covers both green and blue. Russian has separate terms for dark and light blue. Does this mean that Russians perceive these colors differently from Japanese people? Does language control and limit the way we think?
This short, opinionated book addresses the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, which argues that the language we speak shapes the way we perceive the world. Linguist John McWhorter argues that while this idea is mesmerizing, it is plainly wrong. It is language that reflects culture and worldview, not the other way around. The fact that a language has only one word for eat, drink, and smoke doesn't mean its speakers don't process the difference between food and beverage, and those who use the same word for blue and green perceive those two colors just as vividly as others do.
McWhorter shows not only how the idea of language as a lens fails but also why we want so badly to believe it: we're eager to celebrate diversity by acknowledging the intelligence of peoples who may not think like we do. Though well-intentioned, our belief in this idea poses an obstacle to a better understanding of human nature and even trivializes the people we seek to celebrate. The reality -- that all humans think alike -- provides another, better way for us to acknowledge the intelligence of all peoples.
In The Language Hoax - a "manifesto" - John.H Mcwhorter wishes to counter contemporary "neo-Whorfian" claims that significant cognitive differences are determined by people's mother tongues ... McWhorter covers some basic importatnt topics.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Chapter One: Studies Have Shown
Chapter Two: Having it Both Ways?
Chapter Three: An Interregnum: On Culture
Chapter Four: Dissing the Chinese
Chapter Five: What's the World View from English?
Chapter Six: Respect for Humanity
