Language, Thought, and Reality (Classic Reprint): Selected Writings of Benjamin Lee Whorf: Selected Writings of Benjamin Lee Whorf (Classic Reprint) - Softcover

Benjamin Lee Whorf

 
9781330318027: Language, Thought, and Reality (Classic Reprint): Selected Writings of Benjamin Lee Whorf: Selected Writings of Benjamin Lee Whorf (Classic Reprint)

Synopsis

How language shapes what we see and how we think Discover the ideas of Benjamin Lee Whorf in this collection of his most influential writings. The book explores how the language we use can influence our view of reality, from everyday events to scientific concepts.

Whorf argues that thought is partly built by language, and that different linguistic systems can lead to different ways of understanding the world. The selection includes clear, concrete analyses—such as how Hopi and other languages handle time, space, and causation—and shows why some Western assumptions about language and thinking may miss important differences found in other tongues.


  • Clear explanations of Whorf’s two core ideas: language shapes thought, and different languages encode different worlds.

  • Accessible examples comparing Hopi, Chinese, and other language families to illustrate linguistic relativity.

  • Discussion of how grammar, numbers, and tense systems influence perception and categorization.

  • Context on Whorf’s methods, the development of his hypotheses, and his impact on linguistics and cognitive science.



Ideal for readers of linguistics, anthropology, and cognitive science who want a foundational look at how language and reality may be linked.

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