The Relationship Between Language and Worldview

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The Relationship Between Language and Worldview

There has been a raging debate over the relationship between language and worldview, and especially on cultural affiliations in different parts of the world. The main agenda is based on the origin of language, the unique features portrayed by humans, and its essence in the development of varying cultures, beliefs and practices. Different researchers have developed theories and arguments to explain the origin of the languages, its connection to worldview and its application in daily activities.

Take Whorf hypothesis as your starting point and summarize it

Sapir-Whorf’s hypothesis is based on several researches that were conducted to establish the relationship between language uniqueness and cultural background. The researches found out the languages present in the world are affiliated to different worldviews in regions within which they are applied. This means that languages are believed to affect human thoughts based on the differences and the cultural affiliations in different parts of the world. Language is therefore one of the best tools that can be used to develop identity among members of certain community and it is this relationship that defines worldview.

Whorf’s assertion is based on the argument of an existing relationship between cognitive development and linguistic developments (Blum 35). After studying different languages, the researcher found a connection between linguistic and cognitive values, with the former being regarded as important in promoting the latter. This means that there is need for linguistic development, and especially in the first stages of development for the cognitive behaviors to be observed.

From this hypothesis, it is clear that a worldview...

... middle of paper ...

...nd realize improved cultural identity.

Whorf and Everett have managed to make convincing claims that associate linguistic developments with cognitive developments. According to their arguments, there is a huge connection between cognitive development and linguistic standards identifiable across different world cultures. Languages therefore integrate perceptions on worldviews and make it possible to address different cultural identities and beliefs.

Works Cited

Blum, Susan D. Making Sense of Language: Readings in Culture and Communication. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 2008. Print.

Everett, Daniel. Don't Sleep, There are Snakes: Life and Language in the Amazonian Jungle. London, UK: Profile Books, 2009. Print.

Traxler, Matthew J. Introduction to Psycholinguistics: Understanding Language Science. Malden, MA: John Wiley & Sons, 2011. Print.

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