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How Language Shapes Our Thoughts

Nov 5, 2024

How Language Shapes the Way We Think - Lera Boroditsky | TED Talk

Overview

  • Speaker: Lera Boroditsky
  • Event: TEDWomen 2017
  • Date: November 2017
  • Views: 23,311,019

Key Points

Diversity of Language

  • There are roughly 7,000 languages spoken worldwide.
  • Each language features unique sounds, vocabularies, and structures.

Question Explored

  • Does language shape the way we think?

Examples Highlighted

  • Aboriginal Community in Australia: Uses cardinal directions instead of left and right.
    • This suggests a different spatial awareness influenced by language.
  • Russian Language: Has multiple words for different shades of blue.
    • Demonstrates how language can influence color perception.

Significance

  • Linguistic diversity showcases the ingenuity and flexibility of the human mind.
  • The human mind is capable of creating 7,000 distinct cognitive universes.

Conclusion

  • Language plays a significant role in shaping our thoughts and perceptions.
  • Understanding linguistic diversity helps us appreciate the capabilities of the human mind.

Related Topics

  • Science
  • Cognitive Science
  • Communication
  • Language
  • Brain
  • Humanity
  • Sound

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Additional Resources

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