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

Explore More

• TEDx
• TED Fellows
• TED Ed
• TED Translators
• TED Institute
• The Audacious Project
• TED@Work
• Podcasts
• TED Blog

Community

• TED Speakers
• TED Fellows
• TED Translators
• TEDx Organizers
• TED Community

Additional Resources

• Watch the TED Talk
• Explore more TED Talks and topics related to cognitive science and language.