COM 325 / Week #8 Discussion: The synergy of language and culture

    The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis holds that language is a dominant influence in shaping one's worldview and perception. Others think this hypothesis overstates the effect of language on shaping our worldview. What's your take on this issue? To me, the synergy of language and culture is very strong. For example, I have up to six different words to differentiate among my father's sister, my mother's sister, the wife of my father's brother, the sister of the wife of my father's brother... But in English, I only use one word - aunt - to refer to those female relatives.