David S. Thompson. “The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis: Worlds Shaped by Words”

Troyster Joseph

Feb. 25, 2010 (Due: Feb. 25 2010)

ANT 1001 TV24A / Gaunt

David S. Thompson. “The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis: Worlds Shaped by Words”

The essay “The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis: World Shaped by Words” written by David S. Thompson describes how one’s language could affect how a person perceives reality. This idea was better known as the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis. It stated that “The background linguistic system/ the grammar of each language is not merely a reproducing instrument for voicing ideas but rather is itself the shaper of ideas…” (Thompson 115). This theory was developed by Benjamin Lee Whorf and Edward Sapir. Whorf’s brought a unique point of view at analyzing languages and its effect on different groups or individuals thought process.

The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis discussed the fact that language itself shapes the reality of the individual. Because of this distinction, some words cannot be translated to other languages. I found this fact interesting because, I assumed that all languages were interchangeable ideas, in which they could be translated from one language to another. However it wasn’t the case for the U.S. For example the U.S. attempted a Chinese translation of the PepsiCo slogan “Come Alive, You’re in the Pepsi Generation” but instead ended up with “Pepsi Brings Your Ancestors Back from the Dead” (Understanding Business 73). In Thompson essay he also lists some of examples of German and French words that have no English translation whatsoever. The reason there may be difficulty translating languages is due to the focal vocabulary of the different nations or societies (Kottak, 75 “focal vocabulary). Focal vocabulary is a designated set of words that bear a special meaning to society of people in which it is used. For example here in America we have many distinctions and categories when it comes to automobiles such as Chevrolet, Ford, Plymouth, Buick and etc, while in other countries individuals might refer to such things as simply cars (Thompson 119). We have so many descriptions for our automobiles because it bears some importance to us in America. The same applies for the people of Hanunoo discussed in the essay who have a wide array of names for ninety-two varieties of rice (Thompson 118).

Also Thompson discussion of euphemism had me intrigued as well. His description of euphemism brought to light, a concept I was always aware of growing up but never understood fully. Phrases such as the “four letter word” and “restroom” were simply cover ups for a words’ true meaning, that at the time people did not suitable for everyday discussion. What’s funny about euphemisms were that they were constantly changing to help people further distance the mental images the phrase would conjure up. For example instead of toilet alternate words were used instead such as the washroom, bathroom, restroom and the john.

Bibliography

Thompson, David S. “The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis: Worlds Shaped by Words” In Conformity and Conflict: Readings in Cultural Anthropology, 12 ed. Spraley and McCurdy. Allyn & Bacon. 2006 113-125.

Nickels, William G., McHugh, James M., McHugh, Susan M. “Competing in Global Markets” In Understanding Business 8 ed. 2008 58-82 Ch. 3.

Kottak, Conrad P. Mirror for Humanity: A concise Introduction to Cultural Anthropology 7 ed. 2010 Ch. 4.