Discussion

Here are a few interesting facts about the world:

1. The Ifaluk language(an Island in Melanesia) has no word for 'murder', the Tahitians have no

word for sadness and the Uktu have no word for anger in their lexicon.

2. The Chinese language is incredibly rich when it comes to words that have to do with morality-there are more than a dozen words for different types of shame and guilt.

Think about the diversity of languages that we find in this world. Are you surprised that certain cultures may not have words for what we think of as common terms? Do you think that this reflects real, large differences, OR that it is reflective of certain subtle differences that exist among cultures and that essentially we are all the same, but certain cultures tend to emphasize certain words depending on their social importance in that culture? Why do you think it is important for researchers to understand the language and deeper meanings among cultures? Please write down your thoughts on this in about 300 words.