10.1.2 Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis

• What is another name for the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis?

  Linguistic relativity
• Linguistic determinism, the strong version of the hypothesis, states that language determines
• What does the linguistic influence version of the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis propose?

  Language influences thought
• Some critics argue that thought can exist independently of language.
• What does linguistic determinism propose about language and thought?

  Language determines thought
• According to linguistic determinism, if a language lacks specific terms for colors, speakers may struggle to distinguish those colors
• Linguistic relativity suggests that language completely determines cognitive processes.

  False
• What does linguistic relativity emphasize about language and thought?

  Language influences cognitive processes
• Match the language with its concept and influence:

  Japanese ↔️ Formality

  Inuktitut ↔️ Snow
• Linguistic relativity allows for thought independent of language.
• Linguistic determinism is the strong version of the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis, stating that language determines
• What does linguistic influence propose about the relationship between language and thought?

  Language influences thought
• The Inuktitut language's multiple words for "snow" enhance speakers' ability to differentiate types of snow.
• Match the version of the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis with its key idea:

  Linguistic Determinism ↔️ Language determines thought

  Linguistic Influence ↔️ Language influences thought
• What are the two versions of the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis?

  Linguistic Determinism and Influence
• Evidence supporting the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis includes studies showing that specific color terms enhance perception
• Languages using relative directions (left/right) may impact spatial reasoning skills.
• Which language has enhanced differentiation of shades of blue due to specific color terms?

  Russian
• The Guugu Yimithirr language enhances navigational skills by using absolute directions
• What do studies show about color terms in languages?

  Enhance color distinction
• Languages using absolute directions (north/south) improve spatial reasoning compared to relative directions (left/right).
• Languages with specific color terms enhance color distinction, as shown in the example of the Russian
• Which language example shows enhanced navigational skills using absolute directions?

  Guugu Yimithirr
• Evidence against the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis includes studies showing that cognitive processes are not entirely dependent on language
• Thought can exist independently of language, such as in non-verbal reasoning.
• What is one example of cognitive processes not dependent on language?

  Infants thinking
• Non-verbal reasoning demonstrates thought can exist independently of language.
• The Himba people, with a limited color vocabulary, can still distinguish between colors, suggesting language is not the sole determinant of thought.
• What is another name for the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis?

  Linguistic relativity
• The Inuktitut language, with multiple words for snow, enhances its speakers' ability to differentiate snow types
• Linguistic determinism asserts that language determines how we think and perceive the world.
• What may speakers of a language without color terms struggle to distinguish mentally?

  Colors
• Linguistic relativity suggests that language influences but does not completely determine thought.
• The Japanese concept of formality in language influences social interactions and hierarchy.
• What is another term for linguistic relativity?

  Linguistic influence
• The Russian language, with distinct terms for light and dark blue, leads speakers to differentiate shades of blue
• Which language example demonstrates enhanced navigational skills using absolute directions?

  Guugu Yimithirr
• Evidence against the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis includes studies showing infants can think without language.
• How can cultural differences in language affect cross-cultural communication?

  Lead to misinterpretations
• The strong deterministic view of the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis lacks empirical support