The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis - Essay Example

The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis Historically, many studies prevail to explain the relationship between humans and their environments. In many instances, interpreting the perception of humans proves difficult considering the literal unpredictability, as well as dependability. However, Sapir-Whorf introduced a doctrine amplifying the complex field of study. According to the Oxford dictionary, Sapir-Whorf hypothesis is a concept that human languages dictate and influence the structure as well as the perception of the real world (Lucy, 1997). Additionally, it holds that the structure presents different sceneries and pictures from various setups ranging from geographical or cultural paradigms. In as much as Sapir-Whorf hypotheses take a vast look at behaviour and thoughts, the paper focuses on the arguments linking language and perception. Sapir-Whorf hypothesis dictates that people have new ideas at birth; however, these ideas disappear as different languages nurture people. Based on the hypotheses, people adopt new ways of viewing the world as reflected through culture. Subsequently, language demonstrates a conceptual structure, which proves that any person only speaks when directed by thoughts. Interestingly, language differences influence both the cognitive and normal thinking. It dictates the dialectical and grammatical postures that potentially dictates behaviour and hence perception (Denham & Lobeck, 2010). In their belief, Sapir-Whorf hypothesis associates the language to the quick obligatory patterns exhibited by people in various linguistic systems. In the view of Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, language influences perception from different perspectives. For instance, the distinctive lexicons of language allow people to survive in the evolutionary world; however, the structure governs the domain of experience (Gordon, 2004). Conceivably, many anthropologists believe speakers of the same language have similar physiological ability; nonetheless, linguistic relativity recognises the limited distinctions. Certainly, this idea appears imminent in the Kay Kempton experiment of 1984, which proved variety in colour perception. Most importantly, it is worthwhile to mention the lexical distinctions that manifest separation of perception. Colour memory test by Lucy and Shweder (1979) cited in Lee, 1997 supports Sapir-Whorf belief in language that it affects perception (Lee, 1997). According to their research, colour recognition exclusively relies on exclusive basic colour terms pegged on language. Apart from giving diverse names to dissimilar colour codes associates community perception of colours and association to diverse situations. Nonetheless, the actual perception and discrimination arises from language connotations. Intellectual autonomy perceives language as one of the essential components of life responsible for the subtle expression in life. Sapir-Whorf shares the feeling that regards language to be responsible for human actions and most importantly perception. Linguistic determinism attempts to relate language and thoughts revealing that people adapt to their environments (Lucy, 1997). According to the belief, the real world constitutes societies belonging to distinct label, which give rise to systematic language habits. These behaviours predisposed by language induce choices of interpretation that contribute to the contemporary social patterns in the world. Objectively, human beings do not live solely in the world; however, different social activities take place. Among the many activities, different media ensure smooth operations and communication. Undeniably, language remains one of these aspects of the human environment, which greatly reflect and affects different activities (Lee, 1997). Evidently, it is an illusion to imagine that a real world can exist without language. Without language, the incidental process of solving various problems does not present any social reality. In this light, language and humans remain two sides of the same coin with the ability to influence life from different perspectives. The large extent of the world presents identical characteristics with regards to humanity; nonetheless, various language habits decipher divergent perceptions (Senft & Verschueren, 2009). From this perspective, language distinctively influences how people talk, behave or respond to diverse situations. ‘Sally doll’ test by Peterson and Siegal (1995) present interesting facts that support Sapir-Whorf hypothesis (Lucy, 1997). Although they did not intend to support Sapir-Whorf ideas, the use of deaf children brought into light constructed reality important for language interpretation. According to Peterson and Siegal’s research deaf children with deaf parents use diverse hearing aids contrary to hearing parents. With reference to thoughts and feelings, deaf children develop perception of their environment based on the language of the surrounding environment. Undeniably, people hear and see while at the same time experience because of languages. Sapir-Whorf linguistic relativity dissects nature into native languages. According to the interpretations, the world contains a kaleidoscopic flux of interpretations that influences people’s minds. Notably, the linguistic system in people’s minds allows for proper recognition of the environment based on a reliable medium of communication. The feeling is same for obligatory practices, which implicitly ascribe to social significances (Gordon, 2004). In every speech people make, codification remains based on language systems of agreement. The absolute and obligatory system of operation insists that people do not talk unless a specific organization and classification of data exists to support such actions. In this respect, Sapir-Whorf brings into the light the aspect of culture as an important determinant of people’s actions. On the same note, Sapir-Whorf reiterates that it is because of culture that thoughts and experiences surface as people attempt to make different arguments. The language test by Wassman and Dasen (1998) demonstrates how Balinese people adopt to westerners new environments (Denham & Lobeck, 2010). Based on the tests, absolute reference system points out to geographical systems, effects of language and cultural importance. The Balinease people demonstrate a linguistic relative language connotation. According to the studies, language directly collates to perception and influence how new communities merge into existing ones. Evidently, this greatly supports Sapir-Whorf hypothesis that holds language responsible for the diverse actions people demonstrate. On the other hand, Sapir-Whorf uses various examples to support the relationship between language and perception. In his reference, Whorf makes reference to the Inuit people who perceive ‘snow’ with diverse technicality. According to their interpretations, Inuit people perceive snow differently from other people who may have the same natural feature. Based on Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, the language used by people in a snow dependent environment far much differs from others. Despite being futed by great researchers such as Pullum in the Great Eskimo Vocabulary Hoax (1991), the feeling holds water for several other writers. In the real world, it is because of effects of language that people perceive important things such as education to be vital. In the same light, Lenneberge and Brown (1954) tests for colour codability reveal the relationship between language and colour interpretation. According to their assessment, language and culture influence how people call and describe different spectrums of colour (Senft & Verschueren, 2009). It is for this reason that English categorically designed a system of colours that allows people to refer at ease. It is a non-contested fact that without English, people have given diverse terminologies to colours that can cause confusion. Arguably, this supports Sapir-Whorf view that language significantly shapes perception. Certainly, many idiosyncratic differences exist in the emergent communities characterised by diverse cultures. However, Sapir-Whorf holds that language re-enforces and introduces cultural patterns responsible for the contemporary syntax, naming and semantic (Denham & Lobeck, 2010). It is because of this generation that communities demonstrate colour experience through language. The pervasive effects arising from language has surpassed many expectations. Dr James Cooke attempted to dissociate language from aspects of culture and language in 1955. In his explanation, Cooke says language does not relate to any culture; hence not responsible for the diverse effects. Experimentally, natural language explicitly contains community or cultural domains (Lee, 1997). Nevertheless, due to globalization and change in environments many have changed. For example, because of language many people have changed their thoughts regarding communities as well as behaviour. From this perspective, Sapir-Whorf hypothesis has proven effective. In as much as language plays an important role in dictating and sharing perception, it is important to put into perspective the imminent setbacks manifested by Sapir-Whorf hypothesis. Notably, the doctrine requires a quotation of human thought to ascertain the level of influence from language. In many cases, this is not possible except by professionals who are capable of measuring the cognitive language relativity (Denham & Lobeck, 2010). The logic behind these concerns brings into light various gaps in Sapir-Whorf hypothesis showing lack of detailed examination. Apparently, many researchers such as Aristotle believe that language does not represent reality. On the contrary, it is a way of conceiving ideas, which do not have any effect on the products. The conceptual belief that scientists concentrate on unsuspected realms, which pokes holes on the Sapir-Whorf concept. Stressing the above point is the fact that linguistic concepts remain grossly translatable with regards to linguistic determinism. As a matter of fact, the concept of language remains a hard topic to conjure in various research fields. Arguably, different speakers with diverse interests dominate the world. These people have diverse motivators and enjoy the comfort from dissimilar environments (Lucy, 1997). Despite many environments, similar ideas have been transferred from diverse environments from various parts of the world. Evidently, this is a proof that language can take a dynamic shift from one region to another without losing its originality. In the same manner, it is only humour, poetry or any creative communication that causes loss of meaning. Above all, this is a clear example that language does not present any form of perception in the human environment. From this perspective, Sapir-Whorf view of the entire world, corrupts new ideas on language rather than make it well. The absolute denial of correct reality makes Sapir-Whorf hypothesis an egocentric quandary focusing on the world rather than the humans. In 1992, Karen Wynn attempted to show that young children (5 months) before acquiring different terminologies can count and make various observations (Gordon, 2004). However, these observations prove ineffective when solving several life situations. Exposure to diverse paradigms of language also reveals a series of questions despite some fallbacks. The concern of getting a universal language has been a dream of everybody around the world; however, this has proven ineffective despite mind broadening. In as much as Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, proved elusive in revealing deterministic linguistic theories, it is worthwhile bringing into light its acquaintance with the external environment. The subject-object and verb system of modern languages totally outshines Sapir-Whorf hypothesis from different perspectives. For example, the pervasive structure divides languages into a connotation in a process of development (Denham & Lobeck, 2010). It, therefore, makes it difficult to make conclusive judgements in a developing scenario with universal and ethical standards. Based on imperialism Sapir-Whorf hypothesis create insights responsible for naturalization of standard western cultures. However, this can prove difficult for ethical positions with decontextualized or separate speakers. On the same note, richly embodies languages are not easily modified based on progress or modernity. Certainly, this brings into light the important question of that attempt to deepen people’s understanding. Above all, legitimate cultural affiliations have no direct effect on culture. In this respect, associating culture to language and ultimately how people thing and behave remains a vast field that requires further research (Senft & Verschueren, 2009). Undoubtedly, Sapir-Whorf hypothesis is essential in understanding present time behaviours and most importantly present perceptions amidst varying cultural experiences. Evidently, this can serve as a legitimate way to bridge the disconnected anthropological beliefs. In summary, language imposition is a common trend in the world, which is gradually transforming the world into a global village. Language as an aspect of communication has been a subject of study from time to time. Sapir-Whorf hypothesis derived various conclusions attaching language to different actions and perceptions in life. Despite receiving several criticisms, various arguments exist to support Sapir-Whorf assertions. The Color memory test by Lucy and Shweder (1979) proves beyond reasonable doubt that language greatly impacts on though. On the same note, Sally doll’ test by Peterson and Siegal (1995) brings supports the belief that language inherently contribute to perception. Wassman and Dasen (1998) also take a deep look into the question of language proving its importance is shaping thoughts. Most importantly is the contemporary change exhibited globally because of globalization. Nevertheless, Sapir-Whorf concept leaves many questions, a factor that tests its legitimacy. The egocentric quandary limits access to reality inducing an absolute transformation without taking into consideration other important factors such as cross-cultural marriage. In the same respect, the translatable nature of language makes it difficult to believe Sapir-Whorf research considering that perception does not change during such processes. Last importantly, it is inevitable to subject Sapir-Whorf to the modern technology world without limits where people can learn new languages. References Denham, K. E., & Lobeck, A. C. (2010). Linguistics for everyone: An introduction. Boston, MA: Wadsworth/ Cengage Learning. Gordon, P. (2004). Numerical cognition without words: evidence from Amazonia. Science 306: 496-499. Lee, P. (1997). Language in Thinking and Learning: Pedagogy and the New Whorfian Framework. Harvard Educational Review 67:430-471. Lucy, J. (1997). Linguistic Relativity. Annual Review of Anthropology 26:291-313. Senft, G., Östman, J.-O., & Verschueren, J. (2009). Culture and language use. Amsterdam: John Benjamins Pub. Co. Read More