Lesson 2

• What are the assumptions of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis?

  • Language affects thought and perception
  • Language comes first, then thought follows
  • More words for something indicate deeper understanding
• What is a common misconception about the number of words for snow in different languages?

  There is little difference between Eskimos and English
• Why might words develop in a language according to the study material?

  Due to a need to communicate about experiences
• What link does the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis explain?

  The link between language and intelligence
• What type of research supports the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis?

  Studies on color recognition and event recall
• What did Sapir and Whorf believe about language and thought?

  • Language comes first, then thought follows
  • Language affects memory, perception, and thinking
• What does the weak version of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis state?

  Language influences thought
• What does the strong version of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis claim?

  Language determines thought
• What does the strong version imply about thinking?

  Thinking is impossible without known words
• What was the basis of Sapir and Whorf's hypothesis?

  • Research on indigenous (native) languages
  • Comparison of Native American languages with English
  • Eskimos' many words for snow as evidence