Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis

Paper Summary:

This paper begins by explaining that the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis is one of the most interesting and influential theories in the field of linguistics and anthropology. The idea that language actually forced people to think in different ways is both fascinating and controversial. The paper shows the ways that this hypothesis opens our understanding of the link between culture and knowledge. The paper includes direct quotes from the hypothesis which it then explains and expands upon.

From the Paper:

"The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis "postulated that language not only provided a means of communication but also shaped peoples' perceptions of the world" (McGee and Warms 2000: 370). The hypothesis drew heavily from the ideas and techniques used by linguists, with the methodological concepts developed by the Prague School of Linguistics in the 1920's providing valuable insights into the importance of understanding the conceptual frameworks formed by, and expressed through, the native language (McGee and Warms 2000: 369). The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis was the most influential anthropological adaptation of these linguistic principles, the hypothesis having an enormous impact on anthropology providing a methodological framework emphasizing cultural and linguistic relativity, and influencing several schools of anthropological thought."

More papers on Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis:

• Term Paper # 97514 : "Whorfian Hypothesis"
• Book Review # 119803 : "Feminism in "The Woman Warrior"
• Essay # 50680 : "Language as Tradition and Experience"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: