Discussion 3
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Nov 24, 2024
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A key takeaway from Lera Boroditsky's TED Talk that resonated with me is the idea that language is not
just a means of communication, but a powerful force that shapes our thoughts, perceptions, and
cognition. Boroditsky's examples of how different languages influence our understanding of the world
highlight the profound impact that language has on our minds. Whether through grammatical gender
systems or linguistic structures related to time, language acts as a lens through which we interpret
reality. This message reminds us that language is not merely a tool we use; it actively shapes our
experiences and influences the way we think.
The content of Boroditsky's talk demonstrates the power of language discussed in nonverbal
communication readings such as Kinesics by showcasing how language shapes our cognitive processes
and influences our perception of reality. While Kinesics primarily focuses on nonverbal communication
cues like body language, Boroditsky's talk emphasizes that language itself can profoundly impact our
thoughts, judgments, and interpretations. The examples she presents, such as how grammatical gender
influences object perception or how linguistic structures affect time perception, highlight how language
goes beyond mere verbal communication and becomes a cognitive framework that shapes our
understanding of the world. This aligns with the idea in Kinesics that communication is not solely based
on verbal language but also on nonverbal cues and the broader cultural context. Boroditsky's talk
expands our understanding of the power of language by illustrating its influence on our cognition and
perception, complementing the insights gained from nonverbal communication studies.
Reference
Adler, R. B., Rodman, G. R., & Dupré, A. (2021).
Essential communication
. Oxford University
Press.
Boroditsky, L. (2017, November).
How language shapes the way we think
. Ted.com; TED Talks.
https://www.ted.com/talks/lera_boroditsky_how_language_shapes_the_way_we_think?
language=en
Response to Shuaib Hersi
Hello, Shuaib
I enjoyed reading your post and the insights you shared regarding the golden message you took away
from Boroditsky's work. It's fascinating how directional cultures organize their time based on the cardinal
directions and align their activities with the movement of the sun. Your observation about the contrast
between our time-conscious world and the perspective of these cultures is thought-provoking. Indeed, in
today's society, we often rely heavily on numerical clocks to structure our days and coordinate our
activities. We are accustomed to phrases like "running out of daylight" or "meeting at high noon" that
harken back to a time when the sun played a more significant role in determining our daily routines.
The speaker's demonstration of the power of language by having people follow directions with closed
eyes highlighted an important aspect of communication, the distinction between the denotative
(formally recognized) meanings of words and the ability to truly understand our spatial orientation.
While participants could follow the instructions, many struggled to grasp their literal positions. This
realization underscores the complex relationship between language, perception, and our understanding
of the physical world. It reminds us that words are not always sufficient to convey a comprehensive
understanding of our surroundings. In this case, the speaker's exercise shed light on the limitations of
relying solely on verbal instructions when it comes to accurately perceiving our physical position.
Response to Andrea Cantinca Gonzalez
Hello Andrea.
I found your post on the power of language thought-provoking. The Golden Message you highlighted
about the loss of linguistic diversity is significant. It's sad to think that we're rapidly losing unique forms
of communication, along with cultural knowledge and perspectives embedded in those languages. Your
post aligns with this week's readings, emphasizing the variety of communication styles and expressions
across languages. Learning a language in a literal way and applying its rules unconsciously demonstrates
the structured nature of verbal communication. However, these rules are not universal and differ among
cultures and languages. Language has the power to shape our thoughts, perceptions, and interactions.
Each language has its own rules and nuances that influence how we perceive the world and convey
ideas. By recognizing and valuing this diversity, we can foster cultural understanding and empathy,
broadening our communication skills.
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