Tuesday, April 23, 2013
COM 250 / Wk. #4 Discussion: Sapir-Whorf hypothesis: Is it an exaggeration?
According to Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, our
language serves as a template or metaphor system to help us describe and make
sense of reality. Based on your foreign
language experience, is it true that language is like a prison and it
constrains the ways individuals can perceive the world? As a foreigner, I am
constantly amazed that Americans always feel “amazing” even the most mundane
and drudgery things in our life. What do you think about this hypothesis?
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I believe that the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis is true. Indeed, we are each shaped by the culture in which we reside. Culture is nested within the dominate language (or multiple languages) of that region because culture is communicated through language, both verbal and nonverbal. The perspective you gain from all the elements surrounding your language like social norms, religious beliefs, nationalism, etc. form the perspective of that person. However, it is important to remember that we are all individuals, so perspective will be different for everyone. In addition, we must recognize that the earth is a multicultural environment with tons of overlapping and crossover. Therefore, yes, our language serves as a sort of template or metaphor system for understanding our world, but it is subject to influences from other cultures and diversified experiences.
ReplyDeleteFor our communication Sapir-Whorf hypothesis deems to be true. People interpret our communication in so many different ways that we are taught to either follow their interpretations or see new ideas from our own mind. In culture we use the same language to communicate so others can understand what we are trying to describe. In America, we use saying such as, “Being the third wheel”. This phrase does not literally mean that you become a wheel; it means that you are tagging along with a couple of other people who would probably be best if it were just the two of them. Other circumstances where “outsiders” may feel like they do not know the communication is when it comes to our modern use of technology. I know my grandparents would not know what LOL or IDK means. Technology has changed our way of communicating so much that our past ways are fading. The way of interpreting communication starts from how you were raised by it. New communication will be used very little by the older generations just as our new generations are losing grip on past communication interpretations. Every society/culture has their own way of communicating so their peers can understand. It all seems to cycle around the fact on where you are and who you are. That is why communication changes from person to person, place to place, and culture to culture.
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