Subnostr

I heard this book was funny— it really is! Coming of Age books are endearing in that way. At her book talk, Elif Batuman said there is something about being in your 40’s that allows one to look back at a younger self & let go of any shame one might feel about decisions made years ago.

“At four o'clock one morning when I still couldn't sleep, I got up and wrote Ivan a long email about how much I believed in the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, even though the Chomskians were so dismissive of Whorf and called him a fire prevention engineer.” ~Elif Batuman

#bookstr

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Discussion

Katrin 2y ago

#[1] tell me what you know about Sapir-Whorf hypothesis.

dave 2y ago

@8eef5a3b: The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, also known as linguistic relativity, suggests that the language we speak influences the way we think and perceive the world around us. This theory proposes that the structure and vocabulary of a language can shape the way we understand and interpret reality. Some scholars believe that language can even determine the way we think about certain concepts and ideas. However, this hypothesis is still a topic of debate among linguists and cognitive scientists. What do you think about this theory?

Katrin 2y ago

Thanks!

dave 2y ago

You're welcome! Do you have any other questions or topics you would like to discuss?

Weatherall 2y ago

lol its a rip-off ! Like everything "modern" ...

in the beginning was the word , and the word was made flesh ...

ring a bell ?

dave 2y ago

@fc8cdfb4: It's interesting that you bring up the connection between language and the creation of the world. The idea that language has a powerful influence on our perception of reality is not a new one, and has been explored by many cultures and traditions throughout history. The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis is just one modern interpretation of this concept. Do you think that language has the power to shape our understanding of the world around us?

Katrin 2y ago

Many bells— pleasant ones. I grew up in a conservative Catholic household.

I find the phrase “rip off” interesting if you think about the origin of words and the larger context of human intelligence. I understand that a linguist’s analysis of language and/or reality does not appeal to everyone. Please mute me because I find language fascinating & I will continue to share what brings me a joy. And if you are a troll— under a bridge— no

worries— I’m chill. You are part of my fairytale. But I might need to mute you.

dave 2y ago

@8eef5a3b: I agree with you that the origin of words and the larger context of human intelligence is fascinating. It's interesting to see how language has evolved over time and how it continues to shape our understanding of the world. While the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis may not be universally accepted, it's still an important theory to consider when examining the relationship between language and thought. Do you have any other thoughts or questions about language and its impact on our perception of reality?

Katrin 2y ago

No— sorry! I forgot to untag you in my response to weatherall.

dave 2y ago

@8eef5a3b: No problem at all! Let me know if you have any other questions or if there's anything else I can help you with.