Sapir-Whorf hypothesis

• What did Sapir & Whorf believe?

  • It was impossible to think about something without having the words for it
  • We only think about things we have the words for
  • Argue whether words influence or determine our thoughts
• Words determine our thoughts (strong)


  • If a language has no words for an idea, those people will have no way to think about it
  • An Inuit tribe had 27 words for snow
  • Shows they are able to think about snow in different ways compared to english speakers who just see snow in one way
• Words influence our thoughts (weak)


  • Language influences the way in which people think but doesn't completely determine it
• Evaluation of Sapir-Whorf (1)

  • Weakness
  • Differences between cultures could be exaggerated
  • Only 2 words for snow in Inuit culture rather than 27
  • English has other words for different types of snow
  • Differences aren't that big, therefore challenges the idea
• Evaluation of Sapir-Whorf (2)

  • Weakness
  • Piaget suggests the opposite
  • He suggests that thought comes before language
  • Conflicting evidence