Does language shape our thinking? An astonishing hypothesis
How would you feel if the language you use influences your thoughts and cognition? The "linguistic relativity hypothesis" posits that the language we speak shapes our worldview.
For instance, in color perception, English speakers distinctly differentiate between "blue" and "green," while speakers of other languages may find this distinction ambiguous. Additionally, in spatial cognition, individuals who use certain languages tend to emphasize absolute orientation, demonstrating superior processing of spatial information.
Moreover, the perception of time varies as well. English speakers tend to conceptualize time horizontally, whereas speakers of other languages may perceive it vertically, which can impact their thinking and planning.
Such research suggests that language can influence our cognition and behavior. It may be intriguing to reflect on how the language we use daily shapes our thinking, as this awareness could lead to fascinating discoveries.