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Questions and Answers
What is the primary argument of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis?
What is the implication of the use of male nouns and pronouns in language, according to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis?
What is the primary difference between the language of the United States and Japan, as described in the text, in relation to the concept of kissing?
What is the purpose of guidebooks promoting the use of nonsexist language?
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What is the implication of a teacher telling a second-grade class, 'Every student should put his books under his desk'?
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Which of the following is an example of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis in action?
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Study Notes
The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis
- The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis argues that language influences how people think and perceive the world around them, suggesting that people cannot easily understand concepts and objects unless their language contains words for these items.
- The hypothesis is named after two linguistic anthropologists, Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf.
Language and Perception
- Having many terms for different types of kisses (e.g., buss, peck, smack, smooch, and soul) in a language, as in the United States, allows people to better appreciate and understand the nuances of these actions.
- In contrast, a language with limited vocabulary, such as Japanese, which only recently developed the word "kissu" for kiss, may limit people's understanding of these concepts.
Sexist Language and Its Implications
- The use of male nouns and pronouns in language can shape how people think about the world and may perpetuate gender stereotypes.
- Examples of sexist language include words like "fireman" and "mailman" in older children's books, which can send a message to children that these are male jobs.
- The use of masculine pronouns, such as in the phrase "Every student should put his books under his desk," can also send a subtle message that boys are more important than girls.
- To combat these effects, several guidebooks promote the use of nonsexist language.
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Description
Explore the idea that language influences our perception of the world around us. This quiz delves into the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, which argues that language shapes our understanding of concepts and objects. Test your knowledge of the complex relationship between language and thought.
