The language hoax : why the world looks the same in any language
(Book)

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Average Rating
Published
Oxford ; Oxford University Press, [2014].
Physical Desc
xx, 182 pages ; 19 cm.
Status
Downtown Reno Library - Adult Nonfiction
306.44 MCWHOR 2014
1 available

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Published
Oxford ; Oxford University Press, [2014].
Format
Book
Language
English

Notes

Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references and index.
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.

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Citations

APA Citation, 7th Edition (style guide)

McWhorter, J. H. (2014). The language hoax: why the world looks the same in any language . Oxford University Press.

Chicago / Turabian - Author Date Citation, 17th Edition (style guide)

McWhorter, John H.. 2014. The Language Hoax: Why the World Looks the Same in Any Language. Oxford University Press.

Chicago / Turabian - Humanities (Notes and Bibliography) Citation, 17th Edition (style guide)

McWhorter, John H.. The Language Hoax: Why the World Looks the Same in Any Language Oxford University Press, 2014.

MLA Citation, 9th Edition (style guide)

McWhorter, John H.. The Language Hoax: Why the World Looks the Same in Any Language Oxford University Press, 2014.

Note! Citations contain only title, author, edition, publisher, and year published. Citations should be used as a guideline and should be double checked for accuracy. Citation formats are based on standards as of August 2021.

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