In the world, there exist many languages spoken by people according to their culture, place of origin, or other interests. Words used in one language may be used in another to mean something different. Some languages also do not have specific names for certain things, unlike others such that one may require using multiple words to describe it. For instance, in the Asian language, an aunt is used to mean one’s father’s sister who is not married this may vary in other languages (Neuliep 3). In addition, some languages may insist on the importance of one aspect while others do not. Hence, I am well convinced that linguist differences may have an impact on a person’s perceptions of the world but not their actions.
The language one speaks a significant influence on the manner in which one perceives reality and their view of the world. Taking into consideration of English, Spanish, and French, gender recognition in a speech is different. For instance, in Spanish and French, one is required to acknowledge the gender of the person they are referencing in their speech. However, in English, one could simply avoid using “he” or “she” if they do not want to disclose the gender of the referee (Regier et al., 1440). In this example, the mention of gender is essential to Spanish and French speakers but can be foregone in English.
Many researchers have studied Whorf’s hypothesis and found it to be true. This theory holds that linguistic identification is an essential factor in shaping one’s cognition process, actions, and perceptions. Theories concerned with linguistic differentiation were first studied by Edward Sapir, followed by his student Benjamin Whorf (Neuliep, 2). Whorf further divides the theory into two, linguistic determinism and linguistic relativity. Linguistic relativity emphasizes that the language one speaks influences their view of the world, while linguistic determinism argues that language is significant in one’s thinking, interpretation, judgment, and actions. Although I agree with the first part of Whorf’s argument, I tend to disagree with linguistic determinism.
If a language does not have a specific word to describe an aspect, people belonging to the lingual group may have a challenge understanding it more than those with specific words. Some scientists performed a study to prove this point by asking children to identify different shades of color. It was easier for children from languages with specific words for the colors to identify them (Regier et al., 1440). However, even if people do not have a partial word for something, they can understand it if they are elaborated. Cognitive processing, such as thinking, judging, interpreting, and reacting to something, is not controlled by one’s language as stated by Whorf in linguistic determinism.
Without a doubt, there are many languages in the world that provide a sense of belonging to different communities. Linguistic differences may form a basis for the formation of diverse perceptions about the world. Some languages may have similar words but have different meanings. In addition, a language may have a specific word for something while others lack it. Languages such as Spanish and French emphasize gender when talking about someone, while this can be ignored in English. Language impacts the manner in which a person perceives the world around them. However, linguistic differences cannot be based on an emphasis on the difference in cognitive processes. Despite having a challenge grasping words and concepts not considered in their primary language, one can understand if it is elaborated.
Works Cited
Neuliep, James W. “Sapir–Whorf Hypothesis.” The International Encyclopedia of Intercultural Communication, 2017, pp. 1-5. Web.
Regier, Terry, and Yang Xu. “The Sapir‐Whorf hypothesis and inference under uncertainty.” Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Cognitive Science vol.8, no.6, 2017, e1440. Web.