How language shapes your world

Here at The Giles Agency, we’re passionate about the power of language, but just how deep does that power go? Just how much of an influence does language have on our lives? There’s a longstanding and controversial debate among linguistic scholars, anthropologists and philosophers about whether language is simply a reflection of what we think, or whether it actually shapes our thoughts.

It’s a debate that’s raged for decades. At one end of the spectrum, some believe that all humans have the same mental make-up and similar basic cognitive patterns. Differences in language are accidental and superficial. The way we speak may be different but the way we think is the same.

At the other end of the spectrum, is the belief that knowledge and thought are entirely determined by the vocabulary and structures of the speaker’s first language. In other words, we can only think within the confines of our language.

Over the last decade more and more data has emerged to support the link between language and thought. For example, one study looked at an aboriginal group whose native language has no words for “left” and “right”. Instead, speakers use cardinal directions: north, east, south and west. So speakers might say, “I have a pain in my north-east leg.”

Of course, this means they always have to know which way they’re facing! Ask anyone you meet today which way north-east is and they might struggle. However, among this aboriginal group, even a six-year-old could tell you straight away. Their language has trained them to be aware of direction and has influenced their cognitive ability.

Studies like these are buoying a middle-ground approach that says that while we can have thoughts and make discoveries outside of our language, when something is marked, it gives it prominence and processing is faster. Our thinking shapes our language, which shapes our thinking, which shapes our language. And on it goes…

I find this hugely exciting. Why? Let’s think about what it means. Did you know that there are over 7,000 languages in the world, all with different structures? That means that humans have created 7,000 cognitive worlds. And each one of these languages continues to evolve, along with the thoughts of the speakers, creating further worlds. This testament to the incredible ingenuity of the human mind.

This reminds of us of two things. First, choose your words carefully. They matter. Second, with all this wonderful colour and diversity comes a duty, to constantly examine the way we think. Why do I think the way you do? Is the way I think helpful? How could I think differently? And what thoughts do I want to create? You have the power to change the way you think, and language is key.