Sapir-Whorf hypothesis

linguistic relativity

linguistics

is (related to orwell's claim) that if thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought. A bad usage can spread by tradition and imitation even among people who should and do know better.

If thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought. A bad usage can spread by tradition and imitation even among people who should and do know better. George Orwell

is the notion that language becomes ugly and inaccurate because our thoughts are foolish, and the slovenliness of our language makes it easier for us to have foolish thoughts.

A man may take to drink because he feels himself to he a failure, and then fail all the more completely because he drinks. It is rather the same thing that is happening to the English language. It becomes ugly and inaccurate because our thoughts are foolish, but the slovenliness of our language makes it easier for us to have foolish thoughts. George Orwell

is the idea that language determines thought, and that linguistic categories limit and determine cognitive categories.

Also known as linguistic relativity, what has come to be called the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis states 'that language determines thought, and that linguistic categories limit and determine cognitive categories.

sapir whorf hypothesis, n.All

sapir whorf hypothesis