The Language Hoax

Why the World Looks the Same in Any Language

By: John H. McWhorter

Narrated by: John McWhorter

Japanese has a term that covers both green and blue. Russian has separate terms for dark and light blue. Does this mean that Russians perceive these colors differently from Japanese people? Does language control and limit the way we think?

This short, opinionated audiobook addresses the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, which argues that the language we speak shapes the way we perceive the world. Linguist John McWhorter argues that while this idea is mesmerizing, it is plainly wrong. It is language that reflects culture and worldview, not the other way around. The fact that a language has only one word for eat, drink, and smoke doesn't mean its speakers don't process the difference between food and beverage, and those who use the same word for blue and green perceive those two colors just as vividly as others do. McWhorter shows not only how the idea of language as a lens fails but also why we want so badly to believe it: We're eager to celebrate diversity by acknowledging the intelligence of peoples who may not think like we do. Though well intentioned, our belief in this idea poses an obstacle to a better understanding of human nature and even trivializes the people we seek to celebrate. The reality--that all humans think alike--provides another, better way for us to acknowledge the intelligence of all peoples.

©2014 Oxford University Press (P)2015 Audible Inc.

Great book! Well-read by the author.

A well-researched, well-argued book about the relationship between language and thought. Delightfully narrated by the author.

Another great McWhorter book

My favorite writer on language. He never fails to illuminate. Chomsky, eat your heart out!

Intetesting

I enjoyed this because my education included Sapir-Whorf. This was a. interesting take on that hypothesis.

A linguistic masterpiece

I loved this book from A to Z. This is a linguistic magnficient masterpiece. 👍

A short book but it could be even shorter.

The message of the book is quite simple, so the book could be shorter. I would have add more info in the book besides debunking of worfian hypothes. Narration and writing style are top notch.