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How language shapes the way we think

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There are about 7,000 languages spoken around the world -- and they all have different sounds, vocabularies and structures. But do they shape the way we think? Cognitive scientist Lera Boroditsky shares examples of language -- from an Aboriginal community in Australia that uses cardinal directions instead of left and right to the multiple words for blue in Russian -- that suggest the answer is a resounding yes. "The beauty of linguistic diversity is that it reveals to us just how ingenious and how flexible the human mind is," Boroditsky says. "Human minds have invented not one cognitive universe, but 7,000."

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    2 Comments
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    Lucia K
    This was fantastic. She was not only articulate and knowledgeable, but her information opens entire new ways of thinking about how we speak and how it affects our thoughts and actions. And she presents her information in an entertaining way!
    appreciate appreciated
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    Chris R
    Such a great topic! I've always wondered how the different lexicons that we create even as subsets to other languages (like industry terms, texting, etc) affect how we are actually able to work together. Do we really need another acronym? This would suggest, no - unless it helps shape the way we think about the subject!
    appreciate appreciated
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