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The Language Hoax
- Why the World Looks the Same in Any Language
- Narrated by: John McWhorter
- Length: 5 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Release date: 30-01-15
- Language: English
- Publisher: Audible Studios
Regular price: £19.39
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Summary
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.
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- Rachel
- 24-03-16
I really love listening to language--and McWhorter
Maybe this type of thing is just my cup of tea. I've listened to quite a few books about the development of language including the Great Courses one by John H. McWhorter. I have consistently found them fascinating and well done.
This is a short book, mostly McWhorter refuting the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis with some explanation of what that is and a bunch of explanation of why McWhorter doesn't agree with it (or, really, why he doesn't agree with the popular culture understanding of it).
Even though this book repeated some stuff I was already familiar with, it's well done and interesting. McWhorter is a joy to listen to. He's funny, easy to follow and talks bout interesting linguistics stuff.
However, if you're ready to dive in and enjoy, I'd start with the Great Courses' "The Story of Human Language" also by McWhorter--it's significantly longer and packed with information. I'm just going to sit her waiting for him to write more. Or maybe I'll re-listen to The Story of Human Language, too.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- khaledalyami001
- 24-07-16
John Mrcwhorter is my best author and linguist!!
This is the second time I have read this book and it is very likely that I will read it more and more!! when it comes to stor, John is just one of the best people to make whatever he reads fun!!
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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- Dillon
- 30-05-16
Wonder Book
this is a wonderful book with lots of citation to help drive home the point that it's trying to make. The author has gone through a lot of painstaking work to portray his subject matter with his much care and due diligence as possible while still refuting the overarching claim flowing from it. his care and appreciation that he shows is a nice break from the standard yelling matches that seem to plague us. also since it is written and read by the same man there is a level of craftsmanship and naturalness to the reading of this book that was quite refreshing. I would recommend this book to almost anyone.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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- Michael D.
- 18-03-15
Excellent work
Great manifesto, intellectually sharp and very entertaining. Recommended for any "language head" who has ever wondered about the influence language itself has on human thought or culture.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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- Allison Hunzeker
- 06-08-18
Don't physically read this book. It must be heard
While the topic was interesting, and the insights were novel, listening to McWhorter read the text was what sold me. After listening to, and loving his Words on the Move, I knew I needed to listen to this. Enlightening and humorous, McWhorter tackles the question we've all asked "how does our language shape our world?"
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- Amazon Customer
- 14-01-18
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.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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- R.L.W.
- 13-01-18
An Entertaining Rant, I Think
I actually really enjoyed him tearing into Neo-Whorfianism. Probably more than I should have.
An article about the Chen study literally popped up on my twitter feed the day before I listened to the chapter that talked about it. I'll be citing this book for my responses.
I really like his lecture style and have several other audio books as well. My favorite are his Great Courses lectures, but I feel that this one is also a good resource.