Reading questions

One important and interesting question that has been important for linguists (and philosophers, rhetoricians, etc.) for many years is the relationship between language and thought. To what extent does the language we speak relate to/have an impact on our thoughts or the way we interact with the world around us? The links below have an article and a podcast that talk about this issue – particularly as it relates to color. Read/listen to them, and answer the questions below (write a few paragraphs – not a formal essay, but more than 1 sentence responses).

Language and the color blue:

http://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-blue-and-how-do-we-see-color-2015-2

Radiolab: Season 10, Episode 13:

http://www.radiolab.org/story/211119-colors/

1. What issues do the article and podcast bring up about the relationship between language and thought/perception of reality? What are they saying/implying about this relationship?

2. Reflect on the article/podcast: what was interesting? What was surprising? Have you ever thought about this before?

3. If language relates strongly to (affects) how we see the world – what might that mean for cross-cultural communication?