LanguageLanguage & & cultureculture

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Member listMember list Leader: Leader: 沈陳惠珠 沈陳惠珠 8711007687110076 Members:Members:

邱南億 邱南億 8711038387110383

吳美玲 吳美玲 8811083988110839

林靖惠 林靖惠 9111087691110876

林緹 林緹 9112006991120069

韓惠華 韓惠華 9121000791210007

連雅鈴 連雅鈴 9211001692110016

Job distributionJob distribution Information finder: Information finder: 沈陳惠珠沈陳惠珠 , , 南億南億 , , 吳美玲吳美玲 , ,

林靖惠林靖惠 ,, 林緹林緹 , , 韓惠華韓惠華 , , 連雅鈴連雅鈴 ,,

power point maker: power point maker: 林靖惠 林靖惠

Third team’s topicThird team’s topic

Is it true that the language I speak Is it true that the language I speak shapes my thoughts?shapes my thoughts?

After we have discussed on several After we have discussed on several occasions, finally we all agreed that occasions, finally we all agreed that the language I speak shapes my the language I speak shapes my thoughts. Following as our team thoughts. Following as our team members to support the idea)members to support the idea)

Found by---Found by--- 沈陳惠珠 沈陳惠珠 (1)(1) We have a shape language that definitely will shape our We have a shape language that definitely will shape our

thoughts. According to a doctor said in a news paper recently thoughts. According to a doctor said in a news paper recently that he discovered a child was born in a foreigner family, whose that he discovered a child was born in a foreigner family, whose parent come from Asia country, have lower ability to express parent come from Asia country, have lower ability to express their thoughts, may be because of insufficient interacting or their thoughts, may be because of insufficient interacting or insufficient language exchange with the child, and same time insufficient language exchange with the child, and same time knowledge development is slower than other age child. Any knowledge development is slower than other age child. Any person who have language communication problem, it will hard person who have language communication problem, it will hard to express your thought through language. According to a to express your thought through language. According to a research showed that any one could not express his or her own research showed that any one could not express his or her own thoughts through language, or no body understand what we thoughts through language, or no body understand what we thoughts through the language explanation it, then meaning he thoughts through the language explanation it, then meaning he or she got a difficultly on the language which he or she used it. or she got a difficultly on the language which he or she used it.

Since Sapir-Whorf ‘s theory that language shape thoughts, Since Sapir-Whorf ‘s theory that language shape thoughts, sparked a number of linguists to researches relative evidences, sparked a number of linguists to researches relative evidences, and same time bring a lot of criticizes on the theory, but let’s and same time bring a lot of criticizes on the theory, but let’s look at our Taiwan society, you will believed that language will look at our Taiwan society, you will believed that language will shape our thoughts. shape our thoughts.

Found by---Found by--- 沈陳惠珠 沈陳惠珠 (2)(2) Taiwanese language (Min-Na) had been ban in former Taiwanese language (Min-Na) had been ban in former

president chiang-Chung-Cheng period, so some of Taiwanese president chiang-Chung-Cheng period, so some of Taiwanese their mother language is Min-Na language, but because of their mother language is Min-Na language, but because of political interfered and lack of chances to speak, sometime they political interfered and lack of chances to speak, sometime they hard to use their mother language to express their thoughts, but hard to use their mother language to express their thoughts, but same time because of government courage, they mastermind same time because of government courage, they mastermind Mandarin language which original may not their mother Mandarin language which original may not their mother language, use Mandarin perfectly without difficulty to explain language, use Mandarin perfectly without difficulty to explain most of their thoughts. An another sample, we are courage our most of their thoughts. An another sample, we are courage our children as earlier as possible to learn English, so you could children as earlier as possible to learn English, so you could see some of children who attend full day English Cram school, see some of children who attend full day English Cram school, use some of English vocabulary or sentences to express their use some of English vocabulary or sentences to express their thoughts, and needs, instead use Mandarin or Taiwanese, thoughts, and needs, instead use Mandarin or Taiwanese, those children shape their English speaking but doltish using those children shape their English speaking but doltish using Mandarin or Taiwanese to express their thoughts. Last one, let Mandarin or Taiwanese to express their thoughts. Last one, let us examine our experience on study English, we always try to us examine our experience on study English, we always try to use precise correct English to explain our thoughts, when our use precise correct English to explain our thoughts, when our English speaking are getting better,English speaking are getting better,

Found by---Found by--- 沈陳惠珠 沈陳惠珠 (3)(3) our thoughts have to be shaped to correspond the language our thoughts have to be shaped to correspond the language

that we want to use.that we want to use. Following are some of evidences that I study from the Following are some of evidences that I study from the

references: references: The linguist Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis indicated that language The linguist Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis indicated that language

strongly influence thought. First of all, let us look a group of strongly influence thought. First of all, let us look a group of researchers studied the difference in perception of color in researchers studied the difference in perception of color in English compared with a small tribe from Papua New Guinea English compared with a small tribe from Papua New Guinea called Berinmo, the researchers found that the Berinmo called Berinmo, the researchers found that the Berinmo speakers were better at matching colors across their nol,wor speakers were better at matching colors across their nol,wor ( Berinmo’s language which in English would both be perceived ( Berinmo’s language which in English would both be perceived in the category of Yellow) categories than across the English in the category of Yellow) categories than across the English blue and green categories and English speakers were better at blue and green categories and English speakers were better at matching colors across blue and green than across the matching colors across blue and green than across the Berinmo nol and wor.. Second, look another example, Berinmo nol and wor.. Second, look another example,

Found by---Found by--- 沈陳惠珠 沈陳惠珠 (4)(4)

In English the form of the verb in a sentence tells whether it In English the form of the verb in a sentence tells whether it describes a past of present event (Mary walks vs. Mary walked) describes a past of present event (Mary walks vs. Mary walked) Hopi(Native American language)doesn’t require that, because Hopi(Native American language)doesn’t require that, because of that, so Hopi speakers focusing more on the source of the of that, so Hopi speakers focusing more on the source of the information and English speakers focusing more on the time of information and English speakers focusing more on the time of event. Third, for another instance objects are treated differently event. Third, for another instance objects are treated differently by the syntax of different languages well, In English, some by the syntax of different languages well, In English, some nouns are “countable and can be made plural (beans), while nouns are “countable and can be made plural (beans), while others are “mass and can’t be made plural, other language, others are “mass and can’t be made plural, other language, Japanese, don’t make this distinction, so English speakers Japanese, don’t make this distinction, so English speakers more aware of the distinction between substances and more aware of the distinction between substances and individual objects.individual objects.

Culture, your culture, the traditions, lifestyle, habits, so on that Culture, your culture, the traditions, lifestyle, habits, so on that you pick up from the people you live and interact with “shapes you pick up from the people you live and interact with “shapes the way you think, and also shapes the way you talk”the way you think, and also shapes the way you talk”

Found by---Found by--- 沈陳惠珠 沈陳惠珠 (5)(5) There is a language called Guugu Yimmthirr that doesn’t have There is a language called Guugu Yimmthirr that doesn’t have

words like left and right front and back, so they never say that a words like left and right front and back, so they never say that a boy is standing in front of a house instead, they’d say he is boy is standing in front of a house instead, they’d say he is standing east of the house, while a speaker of English would standing east of the house, while a speaker of English would think of him as standing front of house. think of him as standing front of house.

English speakers tend to treat time as a group of objects, English speakers tend to treat time as a group of objects, seconds, minutes, hours, instead of as a smooth unbroken seconds, minutes, hours, instead of as a smooth unbroken stream, that makes us think that time is stuff that can be saved, stream, that makes us think that time is stuff that can be saved, wasted, or lost, The Hopi (Hopi language does not contain any wasted, or lost, The Hopi (Hopi language does not contain any words, grammatical construction or expressions that refer to the words, grammatical construction or expressions that refer to the English concept of “time” )don’t talk about time in those terms, English concept of “time” )don’t talk about time in those terms, and so they think about it differently, for them it is a continuous and so they think about it differently, for them it is a continuous cycle, it could be that our view of time is reflected in our cycle, it could be that our view of time is reflected in our language, or that the way we deal with time in our culture is language, or that the way we deal with time in our culture is reflected in both our language and our thoughts.reflected in both our language and our thoughts.

Found by---Found by--- 沈陳惠珠 沈陳惠珠 (6)(6) Language determines the boundaries of thought, following are Language determines the boundaries of thought, following are

a number of linguists have said:1. The limits of your language a number of linguists have said:1. The limits of your language are the limits of your world ….by Ludwig.wittgenstein.are the limits of your world ….by Ludwig.wittgenstein.

2.Lanaguage shapes the way we think, and determines 2.Lanaguage shapes the way we think, and determines what we can think about………by Benjamin Whorf.what we can think about………by Benjamin Whorf.

3.If we spoke a different language, we would perceive a 3.If we spoke a different language, we would perceive a somewhat different world ………by Ludwig Wittgenstein.somewhat different world ………by Ludwig Wittgenstein.

4.Though is the blossom, language the bud, action the fruit 4.Though is the blossom, language the bud, action the fruit behind…….by Ralph Waldo Emerson.behind…….by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

References:References: http://www.Lsadc.org/faqu/index.http://www.Lsadc.org/faqu/index. http://3q.tmtc,edu.twhttp://3q.tmtc,edu.tw http://www.ntnu.edu.twhttp://www.ntnu.edu.tw http://www.chemistrycoach.com/ideas.htmhttp://www.chemistrycoach.com/ideas.htm http://www.ttt.org/linglinks/Stacy Phipps.htm.http://www.ttt.org/linglinks/Stacy Phipps.htm.

found by--- found by--- 邱南億 邱南億 (1)(1) We might ask, "What is the meaning of meaning?" Philosophers We might ask, "What is the meaning of meaning?" Philosophers

of language are less concerned with what individual words or of language are less concerned with what individual words or sentences mean than with what it means for an expression to sentences mean than with what it means for an expression to mean something. How do expressions have the meanings they mean something. How do expressions have the meanings they have, which expressions have the same meanings as which have, which expressions have the same meanings as which others, and how can these meanings can be known. (The others, and how can these meanings can be known. (The exceptions, of course, are expressions about language, or exceptions, of course, are expressions about language, or words otherwise of philosophical significance). So a better words otherwise of philosophical significance). So a better question might be, "what does the word 'meaning' mean?" In a question might be, "what does the word 'meaning' mean?" In a similar vein, (and with similar caveats), philosophers are less similar vein, (and with similar caveats), philosophers are less concerned with which sentences are true than with what kinds concerned with which sentences are true than with what kinds of things can be true or false (of things can be true or false (sentencessentences, presumably, but all , presumably, but all sentences, or only meaningful ones?) sentences, or only meaningful ones?) J.L. AustinJ.L. Austin a language a language philosopher who is most well known for his text, How to Do philosopher who is most well known for his text, How to Do Things With Words concentrated upon various "tasks" of words Things With Words concentrated upon various "tasks" of words and phrases or and phrases or speech actsspeech acts. .

found by--- found by--- 邱南億 邱南億 (2)(2) Language, how things 'mean' something, and truth (though Language, how things 'mean' something, and truth (though

postmodernpostmodern thought incorporates the claim that there is no truth thought incorporates the claim that there is no truth apart from a human perception of truth), are important not just apart from a human perception of truth), are important not just because they are used daily with important effects; language because they are used daily with important effects; language has shaped our human development, from our earliest has shaped our human development, from our earliest childhood and continuing to our deaths. Some contemporary childhood and continuing to our deaths. Some contemporary philosophers hold that it is impossible to have any thoughts philosophers hold that it is impossible to have any thoughts without having a language, while others argue that thoughts without having a language, while others argue that thoughts differ in kind and some exist differ in kind and some exist a prioria priori, before we acquire any use , before we acquire any use of language. Still more would agree that there are at least some of language. Still more would agree that there are at least some thoughts that one cannot think without having a language. thoughts that one cannot think without having a language. Since we often, or always, Since we often, or always, reasonreason according to rules laid down according to rules laid down by our language, then the language we speak has a great deal by our language, then the language we speak has a great deal of influence (if not totally encompassing all that we "know") on of influence (if not totally encompassing all that we "know") on how we perceive and act in the world. how we perceive and act in the world.

found by--- found by--- 邱南億 邱南億 (3)(3) Accordingly it is not by accident that philosophical discussions Accordingly it is not by accident that philosophical discussions

of language begin by clarifying terminology, drawing distinctions of language begin by clarifying terminology, drawing distinctions between different senses of words, and so forth. The between different senses of words, and so forth. The philosophy of language is important because language is philosophy of language is important because language is important, and language is important because it is inseparable important, and language is important because it is inseparable from how we think and live. Some philosophers argue that the from how we think and live. Some philosophers argue that the term "language" is too vague to be useful and entire systems term "language" is too vague to be useful and entire systems have been developed to clarify the field. See have been developed to clarify the field. See semioticssemiotics. .

Human beings have an integrated set of language concepts Human beings have an integrated set of language concepts which are brought to bear upon which are brought to bear upon signssigns and and symbolssymbols, including all , including all words (symbols): "object," "words (symbols): "object," "lovelove," "good," "," "good," "GodGod," "masculine," ," "masculine," "feminine," ""feminine," "artart," "government," and so on. By incorporating ," "government," and so on. By incorporating "meaning," each of us has shaped (or has had shaped for us) "meaning," each of us has shaped (or has had shaped for us) an entire view of the an entire view of the universeuniverse and how we ourselves have and how we ourselves have "meaning" within it. "meaning" within it.

ReferencesReferences Hale, B. and crispin Wright, Ed. (1999). Hale, B. and crispin Wright, Ed. (1999).

Blackwell Companions To Philosophy. Malden, Blackwell Companions To Philosophy. Malden, Massachusetts, Blackwell Publishers. Massachusetts, Blackwell Publishers.

Lycan, W. G. (2000). Philosophy of Language: Lycan, W. G. (2000). Philosophy of Language: A Contemporary Introduction. New York, A Contemporary Introduction. New York, Routledge. Routledge.

Found by---Found by--- 吳美鈴 吳美鈴 (1)(1) I agree that language I speak shapes my thoughts. We use the I agree that language I speak shapes my thoughts. We use the

first mother language often. Our culture, the traditions, lifestyle, first mother language often. Our culture, the traditions, lifestyle, habits, and so on that you pick up from the people you live and habits, and so on that you pick up from the people you live and interact with „shape the way you think, and also shapes the way interact with „shape the way you think, and also shapes the way you talk. you talk. 

Something I use English money. I have to count how much Something I use English money. I have to count how much money should I say? For example: We use money should I say? For example: We use 萬萬 , , 千千 , , 百百 , , 拾 拾 for money to count easily in Chinese. But English is not for money to count easily in Chinese. But English is not 萬萬 . . They say ten thousand, one hundred thousand…. I think it is They say ten thousand, one hundred thousand…. I think it is not easy for me.not easy for me.

I have to notice tenses in English but I do not use tenses I have to notice tenses in English but I do not use tenses often in Chinese. often in Chinese. 明天天氣好的話他會來明天天氣好的話他會來 . My answer is “ If it . My answer is “ If it will be fine tomorrow, he will come. “ This answer is wrong. will be fine tomorrow, he will come. “ This answer is wrong. Why? I do not notice the tense; it should say, Why? I do not notice the tense; it should say, “ “ If it is fine If it is fine tomorrow, he will come.” I just think tomorrow is future so I have tomorrow, he will come.” I just think tomorrow is future so I have to use future tense. The actually, using present is OK. I think to use future tense. The actually, using present is OK. I think too much.too much.

Found by---Found by--- 吳美鈴 吳美鈴 (2)(2)

On the other hand, I use English every day. I speak English On the other hand, I use English every day. I speak English with my classmates and co-workers. The method helps me to with my classmates and co-workers. The method helps me to prove my English. Then I have a new problem. When I speak prove my English. Then I have a new problem. When I speak Chinese with my family, my grammar has some problems like I Chinese with my family, my grammar has some problems like I say “ say “ 我走先” 我走先” The correct answer is “The correct answer is “ 我先走”我先走” . This . This grammar is English style. Sometimes, I will forget Chinese grammar is English style. Sometimes, I will forget Chinese meaning like wild animals how to speak it in Chinese. I forgot. I meaning like wild animals how to speak it in Chinese. I forgot. I will use English to translate English for my family. My family say will use English to translate English for my family. My family say what you talk about it. Much of the time, yes. But not always. what you talk about it. Much of the time, yes. But not always. You can easily conjure up mental images and sensations that You can easily conjure up mental images and sensations that would be hard to describe in words.would be hard to describe in words.

The new language is very different from your own, it may give The new language is very different from your own, it may give you some insight into another culture and another way of lifeyou some insight into another culture and another way of life

http://www.lsadc.orghttp://www.lsadc.org

Found by---Found by--- 林靖惠 林靖惠 (1)(1)

Most of foreigner speakers have language communication Most of foreigner speakers have language communication problem, or no body understand what we thoughts through the problem, or no body understand what we thoughts through the language explanation it, then meaning he or she got a difficultly language explanation it, then meaning he or she got a difficultly on the language which he or she used it. It will hard to express on the language which he or she used it. It will hard to express own thought through language.own thought through language.

Language is more than just a means of communication. It Language is more than just a means of communication. It influences our culture and even our thought processes. The influences our culture and even our thought processes. The cross cultural comparisons of such things, when we perceive cross cultural comparisons of such things, when we perceive color with our eyes, we are sensing that portion of color with our eyes, we are sensing that portion of electromagnetic radiation that is visible light. electromagnetic radiation that is visible light. 

Our culture, through language, guides us in seeing the Our culture, through language, guides us in seeing the spectrum in terms of the arbitrarily established categories that spectrum in terms of the arbitrarily established categories that we call colors. Different cultures may divide up the spectrum in we call colors. Different cultures may divide up the spectrum in different ways. In other words, the colors we see are different ways. In other words, the colors we see are predetermined by what our culture prepares us to see. predetermined by what our culture prepares us to see.

Found by---Found by--- 林靖惠 林靖惠 (2)(2) According to Sapir-Whorf’s research that indicated, all normal According to Sapir-Whorf’s research that indicated, all normal

humans share similar sense perceptions of color despite humans share similar sense perceptions of color despite differences in color terminology from one language to another.  differences in color terminology from one language to another.  The physiology of our eyes is essentially the same.  However, The physiology of our eyes is essentially the same.  However, as a society's economy and technology increase in complexity, as a society's economy and technology increase in complexity, the number of color terms usually also increases.  That is to the number of color terms usually also increases.  That is to say, the spectrum of visible light gets subdivided into more say, the spectrum of visible light gets subdivided into more categories. The number of terms related to a particular topic categories. The number of terms related to a particular topic also may be greater or smaller depending on such social also may be greater or smaller depending on such social factors as gender.  For example, North American women factors as gender.  For example, North American women generally make far more color distinctions than do men.   generally make far more color distinctions than do men.  

The cultural environment that people grow up in can have The cultural environment that people grow up in can have surprising effects on how they interpret the world around surprising effects on how they interpret the world around them. As the environment changes, culture and language them. As the environment changes, culture and language typically respond by creating new terminology to describe it. typically respond by creating new terminology to describe it. The terminology used by a culture reflects that culture's The terminology used by a culture reflects that culture's interests and concerns. interests and concerns.

Found by---Found by--- 林靖惠 林靖惠 (3)(3) Anthropologists have found that learning about how people Anthropologists have found that learning about how people

categorize things in their environment provides important categorize things in their environment provides important insights into the interests, concerns, and values of their culture. insights into the interests, concerns, and values of their culture. 

philosophers are less concerned with which sentences are true philosophers are less concerned with which sentences are true than with what kinds of things can be true or false. Language, than with what kinds of things can be true or false. Language, how things 'mean' something, and truth are important. Not just how things 'mean' something, and truth are important. Not just because they are used daily with important effects; language because they are used daily with important effects; language has shaped our human development, from our earliest has shaped our human development, from our earliest childhood and continuing to our deaths. It is impossible to have childhood and continuing to our deaths. It is impossible to have any thoughts without having a language, the language we any thoughts without having a language, the language we speak has a great deal of influence on how we perceive and act speak has a great deal of influence on how we perceive and act in the world.in the world.

Ethno scientists have made a useful distinction in regards to Ethno scientists have made a useful distinction in regards to ways of describing categories of reality.  Visitors to another ways of describing categories of reality.  Visitors to another society can bring their own culture's categories and interpret society can bring their own culture's categories and interpret everything in those terms. However, there will be little everything in those terms. However, there will be little understanding of the minds of the people in the society being understanding of the minds of the people in the society being visited. In contrast, visited. In contrast,

Found by---Found by--- 林靖惠 林靖惠 (4)(4)

they can suspend their own culture's perspective and learn thethey can suspend their own culture's perspective and learn the

categories of reality in the new society.  By doing this, they gaincategories of reality in the new society.  By doing this, they gain

a much more profound understanding of the other culture. a much more profound understanding of the other culture. 

http://anthro.palomar.edu/language/ http://anthro.palomar.edu/language/

http://www.Lsadc.org/faqu/index.http://www.Lsadc.org/faqu/index.

Found by---Found by--- 林緹 林緹 (1)(1)

Amy Tan is a novelist and essayist who was born in California Amy Tan is a novelist and essayist who was born in California only two and a half years after her parents emigrated from only two and a half years after her parents emigrated from China to the United States. Her complex relationship with her China to the United States. Her complex relationship with her mother, Daisy, who died of Alzheimer’s disease in 1999, ate the mother, Daisy, who died of Alzheimer’s disease in 1999, ate the age of 83, is at the heart of much of her work. Tan presents age of 83, is at the heart of much of her work. Tan presents herself as a writer and not a student of language, although she herself as a writer and not a student of language, although she holds an M.A. in linguistics from San Jose State University. holds an M.A. in linguistics from San Jose State University. Speaking and writing in standard English is essential, Tan Speaking and writing in standard English is essential, Tan argues, but the diversity of cultures in America requires that we argues, but the diversity of cultures in America requires that we acknowledge the different “English’s” spoken by immigrants. In acknowledge the different “English’s” spoken by immigrants. In her article “Mother tongue”, we can find the approval to Wharf her article “Mother tongue”, we can find the approval to Wharf Hypothesis theory: language sheds our world of view. She Hypothesis theory: language sheds our world of view. She mentioned about that her mother’s limited English limited her mentioned about that her mother’s limited English limited her perception of her. She was ashamed of her mother’s English. perception of her. She was ashamed of her mother’s English. And she truly believed that her English And she truly believed that her English

Found by---Found by--- 林緹 林緹 (2)(2)

reflected the quality of what she had to say. That is because reflected the quality of what she had to say. That is because she expressed them imperfectly her thoughts were imperfect. she expressed them imperfectly her thoughts were imperfect. She also made some examples to support her statement: The She also made some examples to support her statement: The fact that people in department stores, at banks and at fact that people in department stores, at banks and at restaurants did not take her seriously, did not give her good restaurants did not take her seriously, did not give her good service, pretended not to understand her, or even acted as if service, pretended not to understand her, or even acted as if they did not hear her. She was forced to ask for information or they did not hear her. She was forced to ask for information or even to complain and yell at people who had been rude to her even to complain and yell at people who had been rude to her mother. She often pretended adolescent voice because of her mother. She often pretended adolescent voice because of her mother’s limited English. These all tell us that you can’ speak mother’s limited English. These all tell us that you can’ speak correct language which means you can’t fully express yourself correct language which means you can’t fully express yourself and for which makes you more difficult to be understood. She and for which makes you more difficult to be understood. She let us know how she sees things through language in her let us know how she sees things through language in her childhood. As she became a writer, she realized that her childhood. As she became a writer, she realized that her mother’s English is perfectly clear and nature. It is vivid, direct, mother’s English is perfectly clear and nature. It is vivid, direct, and full of and full of

Found by---Found by--- 林緹 林緹 (3)(3) observation and imagery. That was the observation and imagery. That was the

language that helped shape the way she saw language that helped shape the way she saw things, expressed things, made sense of the things, expressed things, made sense of the world. These let us know that our world view world. These let us know that our world view would changed as we grow up, knowledge would changed as we grow up, knowledge increase or environment change but language increase or environment change but language affects us the most. affects us the most.

exerpted from " The short prose reader" exerpted from " The short prose reader"

Found by---Found by--- 韓惠華 韓惠華 (1)(1)

LANGUAGE STRONGLY INFLUENCES THOUGHT. The LANGUAGE STRONGLY INFLUENCES THOUGHT. The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis has changed the way many people Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis has changed the way many people look at the relationship between language, thought and cultural look at the relationship between language, thought and cultural perception of reality. While many like Edward Sapir and perception of reality. While many like Edward Sapir and Benjamin Whorf support the notion that language strongly Benjamin Whorf support the notion that language strongly influences thought and others argue that language does not influences thought and others argue that language does not influence thought, the evidence from research indicates that influence thought, the evidence from research indicates that language does influence thought and perception of reality to a language does influence thought and perception of reality to a degree but language does not govern thought or reality.degree but language does not govern thought or reality.

Benjamin Whorf, like Sapir studied Native American Benjamin Whorf, like Sapir studied Native American languages. Whorf sites several examples form the Native languages. Whorf sites several examples form the Native American language, Hopi, to support his hypothesis that American language, Hopi, to support his hypothesis that thought is strongly based on language. According to Whorf the thought is strongly based on language. According to Whorf the Hopi language does not contain any words, grammatical Hopi language does not contain any words, grammatical constructions or expressions that refer to the English concept of constructions or expressions that refer to the English concept of ‘time. ‘time.

Found by---Found by--- 韓惠華 韓惠華 (2)(2)

’ ’ Whorf goes on to explain that it is possible in the Hopi Whorf goes on to explain that it is possible in the Hopi language to express the world or reality in ways other than what language to express the world or reality in ways other than what many languages refer to as ‘time.’ The Hopi view of reality is many languages refer to as ‘time.’ The Hopi view of reality is specific to the language and can only be best expressed if one specific to the language and can only be best expressed if one is familiar with the language (Carroll, 1956:57). In this example is familiar with the language (Carroll, 1956:57). In this example where Whorf feels language strongly influences thought, he is where Whorf feels language strongly influences thought, he is often criticized with circularity because he “infers cognitive often criticized with circularity because he “infers cognitive differences between two speakers from an examination of their differences between two speakers from an examination of their respective languages,” (Hopi and English). His proof of respective languages,” (Hopi and English). His proof of cognitive differences is only “based on reiteration of the cognitive differences is only “based on reiteration of the linguistic differences” (Harre, 1990:5).linguistic differences” (Harre, 1990:5).

For example1For example1 ：： A common argument for the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis is the A common argument for the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis is the

perception of color across languages. According to the perception of color across languages. According to the hypothesis, if one language categorizes color differently than hypothesis, if one language categorizes color differently than another language, then the different groups should perceive it another language, then the different groups should perceive it differently also. differently also.

Found by---Found by--- 韓惠華 韓惠華 (3)(3) In a study done in the 1970’s a group of researchers studied In a study done in the 1970’s a group of researchers studied

the difference in perception of color in English compared with a the difference in perception of color in English compared with a small tribe from Papua New Guinea called Berinmo. The small tribe from Papua New Guinea called Berinmo. The Berinmo were given a sample of 160 different colors and asked Berinmo were given a sample of 160 different colors and asked to categorize them. The Berinmo not only had less categories, to categorize them. The Berinmo not only had less categories, they did not differentiate between the English colors blue and they did not differentiate between the English colors blue and green, however, they did draw a category between colors in green, however, they did draw a category between colors in their language their language nol nol and and worwor which in English would both be which in English would both be perceived in the category of yellow. The researchers found that perceived in the category of yellow. The researchers found that the Berinmo speakers were better at matching colors across the Berinmo speakers were better at matching colors across their their nolnol,, wor wor categories than across the English blue and green categories than across the English blue and green categories and English speakers were better at matching colors categories and English speakers were better at matching colors across blue and green than across the Berinmo across blue and green than across the Berinmo nolnol and and worwor (Sawyer, 1999). According to the researchers by showing that (Sawyer, 1999). According to the researchers by showing that the color perception of the two language groups is dependent the color perception of the two language groups is dependent on the categorization in the language the results support the on the categorization in the language the results support the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis.Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis.

Found by---Found by--- 韓惠華 韓惠華 (4)(4) For Example 2For Example 2 ：： Language is more than just a means of communication. It Language is more than just a means of communication. It

influences our culture and even our thought processes. During influences our culture and even our thought processes. During the first four decades of the 20th century, language was viewed the first four decades of the 20th century, language was viewed by American linguists and anthropologists as being more by American linguists and anthropologists as being more important than it actually is in shaping our perception of important than it actually is in shaping our perception of reality. This was mostly due to Edward Sapir and his student reality. This was mostly due to Edward Sapir and his student Benjamin Whorf who said that language predetermines what we Benjamin Whorf who said that language predetermines what we see in the world around us. In other words, language acts like a see in the world around us. In other words, language acts like a polarizing lens on a camera in filtering reality--we see the real polarizing lens on a camera in filtering reality--we see the real world only in the categories of our language.world only in the categories of our language.

you------- your -------realityyou------- your -------reality languagelanguage Cross cultural comparisons of such things as color terms were Cross cultural comparisons of such things as color terms were

used by Sapir and Whorf as evidence. When we perceive color used by Sapir and Whorf as evidence. When we perceive color with our eyes, we are sensing that portion of with our eyes, we are sensing that portion of electromagnetic radiationelectromagnetic radiation that is visible light.  that is visible light. 

Found by---Found by--- 韓惠華 韓惠華 (5)(5) In fact, the spectrum of visible light is a continuum of light In fact, the spectrum of visible light is a continuum of light

waves with frequencies that increase at a continuous rate from waves with frequencies that increase at a continuous rate from one end to the other.  In other words, there are no distinct one end to the other.  In other words, there are no distinct colors like red and green in nature.  Our culture, through colors like red and green in nature.  Our culture, through language, guides us in seeing the spectrum in terms of the language, guides us in seeing the spectrum in terms of the arbitrarily established categories that we call colors. Different arbitrarily established categories that we call colors. Different cultures may divide up the spectrum in different ways. This can cultures may divide up the spectrum in different ways. This can be seen in the comparison of some English language colors be seen in the comparison of some English language colors with their couterparts in the Tiv language of Nigeria:with their couterparts in the Tiv language of Nigeria:

Sapir (value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color. High Sapir (value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color. High value is light and low value is dark.)value is light and low value is dark.)

and Whorf interpreted these data as indicating that colors are and Whorf interpreted these data as indicating that colors are not objective, naturally determined segments of reality. In other not objective, naturally determined segments of reality. In other words, the colors we see is predetermined by what our culture words, the colors we see is predetermined by what our culture prepares us to see. This example used to support the Sapir-prepares us to see. This example used to support the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis was objectively tested in the 1960's.Whorf hypothesis was objectively tested in the 1960's.

Found by---Found by--- 韓惠華 韓惠華 (6)(6)

ReferenceReference 1.Language and thought processes1.Language and thought processes ：： http://anthro.palomar.edu/language/language_5.htmhttp://anthro.palomar.edu/language/language_5.htm 2. Stacy, Phipps. December 13, 2001. Language and thought2. Stacy, Phipps. December 13, 2001. Language and thought ：：

examining linguistic relativity examining linguistic relativity http://www.ttt.org/linglinks/StacyPhipps.htmhttp://www.ttt.org/linglinks/StacyPhipps.htm

Found by---Found by--- 連雅鈴 連雅鈴 (1)(1) Language is more than just a means of communication.   It Language is more than just a means of communication.   It

influences our culture and even our thought processes.   influences our culture and even our thought processes.   During the first four decades of the 20th century, language During the first four decades of the 20th century, language was viewed by American linguists and anthropologists as was viewed by American linguists and anthropologists as being more important than it actually is in shaping our being more important than it actually is in shaping our perception of reality.  This was mostly due to Edward Sapir perception of reality.  This was mostly due to Edward Sapir and his student Benjamin Whorf who said that language and his student Benjamin Whorf who said that language predetermines what we see in the world around us.  In predetermines what we see in the world around us.  In other words, language acts like a polarizing lens on a other words, language acts like a polarizing lens on a camera in filtering reality--we see the real world only in the camera in filtering reality--we see the real world only in the categories of our language.categories of our language.

Cross cultural comparisons of such things as color terms Cross cultural comparisons of such things as color terms were used by Sapir and Whorf as evidence.  When we were used by Sapir and Whorf as evidence.  When we perceive color with our eyes, we are sensing that portion of perceive color with our eyes, we are sensing that portion of electromagnetic radiationelectromagnetic radiation that is visible light.  In fact, the that is visible light.  In fact, the spectrum of visible light is a continuum of light waves with spectrum of visible light is a continuum of light waves with frequencies that increase at a continuous rate from one frequencies that increase at a continuous rate from one   end to the other. end to the other. 

Found by---Found by--- 連雅鈴 連雅鈴 (2)(2) In other words, there are no In other words, there are no

distinct colors like red and distinct colors like red and green in nature.  Our culture, green in nature.  Our culture, through language, guides us through language, guides us in seeing the spectrum in in seeing the spectrum in terms of the arbitrarily terms of the arbitrarily established categories that established categories that we call colors.  Different we call colors.  Different cultures may divide up the cultures may divide up the spectrum in different ways.  spectrum in different ways.  This can be seen in the This can be seen in the comparison of some English comparison of some English language colors with their language colors with their couterparts in the Tiv couterparts in the Tiv language of Nigeria:language of Nigeria:

Found by---Found by--- 連雅鈴 連雅鈴 (3)(3)

Sapir and Whorf interpreted these data as indicating that Sapir and Whorf interpreted these data as indicating that colors are not objective, naturally determined segments of colors are not objective, naturally determined segments of reality.  In other words, the colors we see is predetermined reality.  In other words, the colors we see is predetermined by what our culture prepares us to see.  This example used by what our culture prepares us to see.  This example used to support the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis was objectively to support the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis was objectively tested in the 1960's.  That research indicated that they went tested in the 1960's.  That research indicated that they went too far.  All normal humans share similar sense too far.  All normal humans share similar sense perceptions of color despite differences in color perceptions of color despite differences in color terminology from one language to another.  The terminology from one language to another.  The physiology of our eyes is essentially the same.  People all physiology of our eyes is essentially the same.  People all over the world can see subtle gradations of color and can over the world can see subtle gradations of color and can comprehend other ways of dividing up the spectrum of comprehend other ways of dividing up the spectrum of visible light.  However, as a society's economy and visible light.  However, as a society's economy and technology increase in complexity, the number of color technology increase in complexity, the number of color terms usually also increases. terms usually also increases. 

Found by---Found by--- 連雅鈴 連雅鈴 (4)(4)

That is to say, the spectrum of visible light gets subdivided That is to say, the spectrum of visible light gets subdivided into more categories.  As the environment changes, culture into more categories.  As the environment changes, culture and language typically respond by creating new and language typically respond by creating new terminology to describe it.terminology to describe it.

      It is now clear that the terminology used by a culture It is now clear that the terminology used by a culture reflects that culture's interests and concerns.  For reflects that culture's interests and concerns.  For instance, Indians in Canada's Northwest Territories instance, Indians in Canada's Northwest Territories typically have at least 13 terms for different types and typically have at least 13 terms for different types and conditions of snow, while most non-skiing native Southern conditions of snow, while most non-skiing native Southern Californians use only 2 terms--ice and snow.  That does Californians use only 2 terms--ice and snow.  That does not mean that the English language only has 2 terms.  not mean that the English language only has 2 terms.  Quite the contrary, there are many more English words that Quite the contrary, there are many more English words that refer to different states of frozen water, such as blizzard, refer to different states of frozen water, such as blizzard, dusting, flurry, frost, hail, hardpack, powder, sleet, slush, dusting, flurry, frost, hail, hardpack, powder, sleet, slush, and snowflake. and snowflake. 

Found by---Found by--- 連雅鈴 連雅鈴 (5)(5) The point is that these terms are rarely if ever used by The point is that these terms are rarely if ever used by

people living in tropical or subtropical regions because people living in tropical or subtropical regions because they hardly everencounter frozen water in any form other they hardly everencounter frozen water in any form other than an ice cube.  The distinctions between different snow than an ice cube.  The distinctions between different snow conditions are not relevant to everyday life and children conditions are not relevant to everyday life and children may not even have the words explained to them.  However, may not even have the words explained to them.  However, people in these warmer regions make fine distinctions people in these warmer regions make fine distinctions about other phenomena that are important to them.  For about other phenomena that are important to them.  For instance, coastal Southern Californians often have dozens instance, coastal Southern Californians often have dozens of surfing related words that would likely be unknown to of surfing related words that would likely be unknown to most Indians in the Northwest Territories or to people most Indians in the Northwest Territories or to people living in England for that matter.  living in England for that matter. 

The number of terms related to a particular topic also may The number of terms related to a particular topic also may be greater or smaller depending on such social factors as be greater or smaller depending on such social factors as gendergender.  For example, North American women generally .  For example, North American women generally make far more color distinctions than do men.  make far more color distinctions than do men.  

Found by---Found by--- 連雅鈴 連雅鈴 (6)(6)

This may be largely due to the fact that subtle This may be largely due to the fact that subtle color differences are important factors in color differences are important factors in women's clothing and makeup.  Parents and women's clothing and makeup.  Parents and peers encourage and train girls early to be peers encourage and train girls early to be knowledgeable about these distinctions. knowledgeable about these distinctions. 

Found by---Found by--- 連雅鈴 連雅鈴 (7)(7) The cultural environment that people grow up in can have The cultural environment that people grow up in can have

surprising effects on how they interpret the world around surprising effects on how they interpret the world around them.  This became apparent during a Washington D.C. them.  This became apparent during a Washington D.C. murder trial early in 2002.  A deaf man was convicted of murder trial early in 2002.  A deaf man was convicted of stabbing to death two of his classmates at Gallaudet stabbing to death two of his classmates at Gallaudet University.  At his trial, the defendant said that he was told University.  At his trial, the defendant said that he was told to do it by mysterious black-gloved hands.  His delusions to do it by mysterious black-gloved hands.  His delusions did not come in the form of spoken language.  He was told did not come in the form of spoken language.  He was told to commit these brutal murders through sign language--his to commit these brutal murders through sign language--his mode of communication.  Another example is provided by mode of communication.  Another example is provided by Guugu Timithirr language speakers of the Cape York Guugu Timithirr language speakers of the Cape York Peninsula in northeastern Australia.  This group of Peninsula in northeastern Australia.  This group of Aborigines do not have words for left, right, front, or back.  Aborigines do not have words for left, right, front, or back.  They use absolute rather than relative directions. They use absolute rather than relative directions. 

When they refer to people or objects in their environment, When they refer to people or objects in their environment, they use compass directions--e.g., "I am standing they use compass directions--e.g., "I am standing southwest of my sister" rather than "I am standing to the southwest of my sister" rather than "I am standing to the left of my sister." left of my sister." 

Found by---Found by--- 連雅鈴 連雅鈴 (8)(8) Critics of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis would point out the Critics of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis would point out the

Aborigines who speak this language also usually learn Aborigines who speak this language also usually learn English and can use left, right, front, and back just as we English and can use left, right, front, and back just as we do.  However, if they do not learn English during early do.  However, if they do not learn English during early childhood, they have difficulty in orienting themselves childhood, they have difficulty in orienting themselves relatively and absolute orientation makes much more relatively and absolute orientation makes much more sense to them.sense to them.

EthnoscienceEthnoscience Anthropologists have found that learning about how Anthropologists have found that learning about how

people categorize things in their environment provides people categorize things in their environment provides important insights into the interests, concerns, and values important insights into the interests, concerns, and values of their culture.  Field workers involved in this type of of their culture.  Field workers involved in this type of research refer to it as ethnoscience research refer to it as ethnoscience

Ethnoscientists have made a useful distinction in regards Ethnoscientists have made a useful distinction in regards to ways of describing categories of reality.  Visitors to to ways of describing categories of reality.  Visitors to another society can bring their own culture's categories another society can bring their own culture's categories and interpret everything in those terms. and interpret everything in those terms. 

Found by---Found by--- 連雅鈴 連雅鈴 (9)(9) However, there will be little understanding of the minds of However, there will be little understanding of the minds of

the people in the society being visited.  In contrast, they the people in the society being visited.  In contrast, they can suspend their own culture's perspective and learn the can suspend their own culture's perspective and learn the categories of reality in the new society.  By doing this, they categories of reality in the new society.  By doing this, they gain a much more profound understanding of the other gain a much more profound understanding of the other culture.  Ethnoscientists define these two different culture.  Ethnoscientists define these two different approaches as being etic and emic .  Etic categories approaches as being etic and emic .  Etic categories involve a classification according to some external system involve a classification according to some external system of analysis brought in by the visitor.   This is the approach of analysis brought in by the visitor.   This is the approach of biology in using the Linnaean classification system to of biology in using the Linnaean classification system to define new species.  It assumes that ultimately, there is an define new species.  It assumes that ultimately, there is an objective reality and that is more important than cultural objective reality and that is more important than cultural perceptions of it.  In contrast, emic categories involve a perceptions of it.  In contrast, emic categories involve a classification according to the way in which members of a classification according to the way in which members of a society classify their own world.  It may tell us little about society classify their own world.  It may tell us little about the objective reality but it is very insightful in the objective reality but it is very insightful in understanding how other people perceive that reality understanding how other people perceive that reality through the filter of their language and culture.through the filter of their language and culture.

Found by---Found by--- 連雅鈴 連雅鈴 (10)(10) Discussion Topic: Is it true that the language I speak shapes Discussion Topic: Is it true that the language I speak shapes

my thoughs.my thoughs. Language is more than just a means of communication , it Language is more than just a means of communication , it

influences our culture and even our thought processes. influences our culture and even our thought processes. language was viewed by linguists and anthropologists as language was viewed by linguists and anthropologists as being more important than it actually is in shaping our being more important than it actually is in shaping our perception of reality.  This was mostly due to language perception of reality.  This was mostly due to language predetermines what we see in the world around us.  In other predetermines what we see in the world around us.  In other words, language acts like a polarizing lens on a camera in words, language acts like a polarizing lens on a camera in filtering reality--we see the real world only in the categories of filtering reality--we see the real world only in the categories of our language.our language.

Thought and thinking take place in a mental language which Thought and thinking take place in a mental language which consists of a system of representations that is physically consists of a system of representations that is physically realized in the brain of thinkers and has a combinatorial syntax realized in the brain of thinkers and has a combinatorial syntax (and semantics) such that operations on representations are (and semantics) such that operations on representations are causally sensitive only to the syntactic properties of causally sensitive only to the syntactic properties of representations. representations.

Found by---Found by--- 連雅鈴 連雅鈴 (11)(11)

Thought is, roughly, the tokening of a representation that Thought is, roughly, the tokening of a representation that has a syntactic structure with an appropriate semantics. has a syntactic structure with an appropriate semantics. Thinking thus consists in syntactic operations defined Thinking thus consists in syntactic operations defined over such representations.over such representations. As the environment changes, As the environment changes, culture and language typically respond by creating new culture and language typically respond by creating new terminology to describe it.terminology to describe it. It is now clear that the It is now clear that the terminology used by a culture reflects that culture's terminology used by a culture reflects that culture's interests and concerns. Here are an example to support interests and concerns. Here are an example to support this logic: this logic:

The Cape York Peninsula in northeastern Australia, this The Cape York Peninsula in northeastern Australia, this group of Aborigines do not have words for left, right, front, group of Aborigines do not have words for left, right, front, or back.  They use absolute rather than relative or back.  They use absolute rather than relative directions. When they refer to people or objects in their directions. When they refer to people or objects in their environment, they use compass directions--e.g., "I am environment, they use compass directions--e.g., "I am standing southwest of my sister" rather than "I am standing southwest of my sister" rather than "I am standing to the left of my sister."  standing to the left of my sister." 

Found by---Found by--- 連雅鈴 連雅鈴 (12)(12) The Aborigines who speak this language also usually learn The Aborigines who speak this language also usually learn

English and can use left, right, front, and back just as we English and can use left, right, front, and back just as we do.  However, if they do not learn English during early do.  However, if they do not learn English during early childhood, they have difficulty in orienting themselves childhood, they have difficulty in orienting themselves relatively and absolute orientation makes much more relatively and absolute orientation makes much more sense to them.sense to them.

Thinking is Thinking is at leastat least the tokenings of states that are the tokenings of states that are intentional and causally connected. But, surely, thinking is intentional and causally connected. But, surely, thinking is more. There could be a causally connected series of more. There could be a causally connected series of intentional states that makes no sense at all. Thinking, intentional states that makes no sense at all. Thinking, therefore, is causally proceeding from states to states that therefore, is causally proceeding from states to states that makes semantic sense: the transitions among states must makes semantic sense: the transitions among states must preserve some of their semantic properties to count as preserve some of their semantic properties to count as thinking. In the ideal case, this property would be the truth thinking. In the ideal case, this property would be the truth value of the states. But in most cases, any interesting value of the states. But in most cases, any interesting intentional or epistemic property would do. In general, it is intentional or epistemic property would do. In general, it is hard to spell out what this requirement of "making sense" hard to spell out what this requirement of "making sense" comes to. comes to.

Found by---Found by--- 連雅鈴 連雅鈴 (13)(13) The intuitive idea, however, should be clear. Thinking is The intuitive idea, however, should be clear. Thinking is

not proceeding from thoughts to thoughts in arbitrary not proceeding from thoughts to thoughts in arbitrary fashion: thoughts that are causally connected are in some fashion: thoughts that are causally connected are in some fashion semantically too. If this were not so, there would fashion semantically too. If this were not so, there would be little point and gain in thinking. Thinking couldn't serve be little point and gain in thinking. Thinking couldn't serve any useful purpose. Call this general phenomenon, then, any useful purpose. Call this general phenomenon, then, the the semantic coherencesemantic coherence of causally connected thought of causally connected thought processes.processes.

Various people of persuasion directly suggest using Various people of persuasion directly suggest using language in certain ways to change the minds of others, language in certain ways to change the minds of others, including including advertisingadvertising, , debatedebate, , salessales, and , and rhetoricrhetoric. The ancient . The ancient sophistssophists discussed and listed many discussed and listed many figures of speechfigures of speech such such as as enthymemeenthymeme and and euphemismeuphemism. Today . Today public relationspublic relations firms firms use use spinspin..

Thought or thinking is a Thought or thinking is a mentalmental process which allows process which allows beings to model the world, and so to deal with it effectively beings to model the world, and so to deal with it effectively according to their goals, plans, ends and desires. according to their goals, plans, ends and desires.

Found by---Found by--- 連雅鈴 連雅鈴 (14)(14)

Concepts akin to thought are Concepts akin to thought are sentiencesentience, , consciousnessconsciousness, , ideaidea, and , and imaginationimagination. Thinking . Thinking involves manipulation of involves manipulation of informationinformation, as when , as when we form we form conceptsconcepts, engage in problem solving, , engage in problem solving, reason and make decisions. Thinking is a reason and make decisions. Thinking is a higher cognitive function and the analysis of higher cognitive function and the analysis of thinking processes is part of cognitive thinking processes is part of cognitive psychology. My conclusion is thinking means psychology. My conclusion is thinking means you tend to put a higher priority on impersonal you tend to put a higher priority on impersonal factors than personal factors.factors than personal factors.