Day 54 of 365
February 23
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Language Linguistic Relativity
The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis suggests that language shapes thought and perception. While strong versions claiming language determines thought are debunked, research shows language influences cognition in subtle ways. Languages without words for left/right but using cardinal directions create speakers with perfect orientation. Russian speakers distinguish light and dark blue faster because they're separate words, not shades of one color.
💡 Did you know?
The Pirahã language has no numbers, no color terms, and no past tense - yet speakers function perfectly well in their environment!
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