How language shapes the way we think

"How language shapes the way we think" - Lera Boroditsky was the TedTalk video I watched for this week’s assignment, in reviewing a presentation. I chose this video because the topic interests me. Lera Boroditsky began the presentation with introducing language, and it’s powerful ability to allow us human to understand one another. She also adds in, how unique each languages are, as every languages have different sounds and structures, with emphasis on structure. She concluded her introduction with an “ancient question,” as Boroditsky describes it: how language shapes the way we think? Upon approaching the question, Boroditsky used history to support the topic and it’s timeline in history, mentioning Charlemagne, the Holy Roman emperor and his thoughts on language, “to have a second language, is to have a second soul.” In contrast, Boroditsky uses Shakespeare's Juliet, “What’s in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”

Boroditsky not only use history to support the topic’s timeline, but also the different arguments surrounding this topic. Boroditsky used many examples in explaining this topic, such as the Kuuk Thaayorre and their language and the grammatical gender in languages such as Spanish and German. In one example, Boroditsky explains how in English, one is more likely to say “he broke the vase” as compare to in Spanish, you’re more likely to hear “the vase broke itself.” Languages are unique but can give the speaker a disadvantage, depending on their native language. Given the same accident picture to English speakers and Spanish speakers, Boroditsky noted that English speakers are more likely to remember who did it, while Spanish speakers are likely to remember the accident, the intention behind it.

Boroditsky gave five examples of how unique language is yet how it shapes how one thinks. These examples included pictures, which allows visual learners to connect with the conversation. She kept the presentation at a steady pace, which allows the listener to take their time to catch on. It kept me interested and focus, that I didn’t realize it was ending.

After listening to this video, I agree with the statement, that language does shape the way one thinks. I speak two languages, so I understood what Boroditsky meant, when she said some languages don’t have certain words, like how the Kuuk Thaayorre does not have the words “left” and “right.” How I say one sentences in one language, sounds different in English, if I am to translate it. This topic was interesting, and I’m glad I’m able to relate to some of the examples given.

What do you think?

Maitrue, signing out.