Linguistic determinism

Question 1

Give an example of how some languages use gender differently.

Answer 1

Sun is feminine in German, masculine in Spanish. The Spanish are more likely to use masculine words to describe things, whilst Germans use more feminine words.

Question 1

List an example of linguistic determinism

Answer 1

Russian has specific words for every shade of blue, whereas most English speakers just use blue.

Question 2

Define the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis.

Answer 2

The structure of a language determines/influences the thoughts and behaviour of the culture it is spoken.

Question 3

Define Strong Linguistic Determinism.

Answer 3

we are entirely influenced by our language and cannot think outside of it.

Question 4

Define weak linguistic relativity.

Answer 4

Our language greatly influences us, but is not entirely determining.