Language Essay

Many people claim that language influences the way people think. Others believe that language is only a reflection of how people think and believe. Are the words, phrases, and sentences of a language the result of people reacting to their reality and environment, or are the words, phrases, and sentences what determine people’s perception of reality?

Speakers of a native language can sometimes be heard to say that they cannot find the right words to use to express an emotion, feeling, or understanding. Can such a statement be true? Can a language not have the vocabulary or expression to convey a particular idea?

Why do languages use more or fewer words to express certain concepts than English does? Why do some languages such as the Eskimo language have many words for one English word? For example, the Eskimo language uses over twelve words to express the English word’s concept for snow. Taking this into consideration, what role does language have in shaping people’s paradigms and beliefs?

Directions: In an analytical essay do the following:

Part I Define language. What is language? In the literature, see how different linguists (a minimum of three linguists) define language. Explain their definition and understandings.(Minimum of two page)

Part II Explain your understanding of language in relation to your research. What is your reaction to the linguists’ explanation of language? How close is it to your previous perception of language? (Minimum of one page)

Part III Explain in detail the role language has in shaping people’s paradigms and beliefs and how language has influenced your personal paradigm and your use of language to express your ideas and feelings. Give reasons and examples to support your point. (Minimum of two pages)